By Isle of Wight Observer
There’s been disappointment this week for Islanders hoping to enjoy excursions on the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.
The PS Waverley’s annual trip to the Island is a much-loved event for many residents and visitors, but, after a number of cancellations and timetable changes, they will now have to travel to the mainland for the experience of travelling on the 80-year-old vessel. Sailings until Wednesday will now start from Portsmouth and Southampton, with no pick-ups on the Island.
A spokesman for Waverley Excursions explained: “Unfortunately, the berth which Waverley uses on Ryde Pier is currently out of service and will be for the coming week. In addition to this, there is maintenance work required to Yarmouth Pier, therefore the remaining dates in this year’s sailing programme will no longer include the Isle of Wight as planned.
“Any passengers who are pre-booked from Yarmouth or Ryde will be able to transfer to any sailing or be offered a refund. We do apologise to those passengers who were intending to sail from Yarmouth or Ryde. Waverley will continue to operate from Portsmouth and Southampton.”
