The World’s last seagoing paddle steamer has returned to the South Coast for the first time in four years to offer locals and visitors a variety of cruises from Southampton, Portsmouth, Poole, Swanage, and Yarmouth this September.

‘Waverley’ set sail this morning from Southampton for a cruise to the famous Needles Rocks and Lighthouse at the westerly tip of the Isle of Wight. Given that this was the historic steam ship’s first sailing from the Isle of Wight since 2018 tickets were sold out.

The sound of paddle beats on the South Coast and Thames dates back to the 19th century when numerous steamers plied their trade. In 2022 Waverley is the only operational paddle steamer in Great Britain and her return to the South Coast and Thames this autumn is a cause for celebration.

Waverley’s General Manager, Paul Semple, commented “I am thrilled that Waverley has made her triumphant return to the waters of the South Coast after a prolonged period of absence. The ship has loyal supporters in the area with many people wishing her well as she returns to cruise the waters of the South Coast, Solent and Thames. The sight of her famous twin red, white and black funnels is sure to bring back fond memories of years passed. We also look forward to welcoming passengers who have yet to experience Waverley.

Earlier this season we celebrated the 75th Anniversary since Waverley’s maiden voyage, a milestone very few Clyde steamers ever reached. With the beat of her paddles, the sound of her whistle and the aroma of hot oil in her engine room Waverley comes alive as she takes passengers on a nostalgic journey – one though which is now threatened due to rising costs.

Sailing Waverley from her home waters on the Firth of Clyde to the South Coast has cost us over £50,000 so it is vital that we see continued support for the ship if she is to remain in operation. This season we are facing an 80% increase in fuel costs. Waverley currently costs around £12 per minute on fuel alone. It is costing the charity which owns the ship a staggering £8,000 per day to steam Waverley and therefore I truly hope many will support us by coming for a wonderful cruise.”

Waverley will be cruising the Solent, steaming round the Isle of Wight, along Dorset’s Jurassic coastline and offering passengers the chance to step ashore to visit Yarmouth and Swanage over the next 3 weeks. Passengers can also enjoy the ultimate steam day out by combining a cruise on Waverley with a steam train ride through the Purbeck Countryside to Corfe Castle on the Swanage Railway.

As Waverley returns to English waters there are several special offers including ‘Kids go FREE’ tickets and discounts for seniors including the popular ‘Seniors Bring a Friend for FREE’ offer on sailings from Poole and Yarmouth on Wednesdays 7th & 14th September. NHS workers and those in the care sector can take advantage of a 15% discount if they book in advance.

Waverley will cruise the South Coast daily until 21st September before she steams on to London and the Thames offering the opportunity to cruise under the world famous Tower Bridge as it opens just for Waverley!

Popular day trips to Southend, Clacton and Whitstable will be on offer as well as the opportunity to sail once again from Southwold, a pier Waverley hasn’t visited for over 10 years.

While aboard the famous vessel passengers have the unique opportunity to fully view the triple expansion steam engine as it drives the ship’s massive paddle wheels and visit the Souvenir Shop to purchase an exclusive memento of their trip aboard Waverley. All profits from the sale of items in the shop go back to the upkeep of the ship. Waverley also has full catering facilities with a self-service restaurant, tea bar and traditional period lounges.

Tickets for all of Waverley’s sailings can be booked online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.

The final sailings of the 2022 season will take place on the Clyde in mid-October before the ship is laid up for winter.

ENDS

FOR VIDEO, IMAGES AND TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL PRESS RELEASE, GO TO: https://mediaselect.pa.media/waverley_excursions

Notes to Editors

• Waverley was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway, launched on October 2, 1946, and entered service in on June 16,1947. This year marks the 75th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

• Waverley is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the World and was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1.

• Since 1975 she has operated in preservation carrying over 6 million passengers, visiting many areas of the UK offering a variety of day, afternoon, and evening cruises.

• Paddle Steamer Waverley is operated on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis and owned by Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, a Registered Charity (SC005832).

• Waverley was nominated by the Sunday Times as “Top 3 nostalgic journey in the world” and has a 4-star Scottish Tourist Board Tour Award.

• Following a major £7 million Heritage Rebuild in 2003, Waverley was fully restored to her original 1940s style. In 2020 she underwent a £2.3m refit thanks to a successful appeal with over £1m being raised through public donations.

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