By Press Release
A public appeal has been launched to “urgently” raise funds to enable the historic paddle steamer, Waverley, to sail again in 2023.
In 2022 operating costs soared, resulting in a lack of funds to survive the winter maintenance period. The vessel has to be dry-docked annually before the sailing season begins. She is booked to enter dry-dock in late March to re-enter service in May, but the charity that runs her doesn’t have the funds for dry-dock fees and other costs to enable her to start sailing.
Paul Semple, Waverley’s general manager, explained: “Last year our fuel costs increased by over £300,000. We urgently need to raise funds or we simply can’t afford the start-up costs for this summer season.
“Operating a historic steamship like Waverley is inherently expensive. We are now spending over £600,000 a year just to maintain her in operating condition. Spare parts for a paddle steamer are rarely ‘off the shelf’ and come at considerable cost. Dry-docking the ship is the single largest expense of the winter maintenance work and we can’t afford to dock her.
“In September last year the Isle of Wight gave Waverley a fantastic welcome after a four-year absence. The ever-popular cruise from Yarmouth Pier around the Island allows locals to view the complete coastline from the water, a sailing that now only Waverley provides.
“I hope that anyone who enjoyed seeing and cruising aboard Waverley last year or in the past might support our Dry Dock 2023 Appeal. We are planning on sailing from the Island in September again this year, subject to a successful appeal.”
Donations to the Dry Dock 2023 Appeal, which has a target of £180,000, can be made on-line at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224. Those donating online can be included on a Virtual Donor Wall and anybody donating by March 1 will be eligible to enter a draw to visit Waverley and see her out of the water in dry dock.
Some PS Waverley facts:
- Waverley was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway, launched on October 2, 1946, and entered service on June 16, 1947. Last year marked the 75th anniversary of her maiden voyage.
- Waverley is the world’s last sea-going paddle steamer and was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1.
- Since 1975 she has operated in preservation carrying over six million passengers, visiting many areas of the UK, and offering a variety of cruises.
- In 2022 the average daily operating costs were over £16,000 with fuel accounting for around 50 per cent of daily costs.
- PS Waverley is operated on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis and is owned by Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, a registered charity.
- Waverley was nominated by the Sunday Times as one of the “Top 3 nostalgic journey in the world”.
• 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.
Pictured: Waverley in dry dock in 2022