Monday, October 15, 2007

Paddle Steamer Waverley

On Saturday we went for a sail on the Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, during her 60th anniversary celebrations.

She sails between April and October in different places around the United Kingdom, including her home station on the Firth of Clyde, the Western Isles of Scotland, South Coast of England, the Bristol Channel and the River Thames.

She is powered by a 2,100 horse power triple expansion diagonal steam engine, and has two bars, a restaurant, a tea-bar and carries up to 800 passengers. She does not have passenger berths.

I've included a series of photos of the vessel in this post and I'll post some of the scenic ones tomorrow.

This is her coming down the River Clyde from Kilcreggan towards Blairmore Pier.
Arriving at the pier...
Yet closer.....
Moored.....
A view of the engines...
And of a paddlewheel in motion...
And of the engine again...
And of the effect of the paddle...
And, finally, moored back at Blairmore..

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah that steamer brings back some memories ,school trips up the watter to the isle of Bute.last time i seen her she was berthed at Ayr, i then heard she was going to be scrapped i think it was a fire or something. so glad the old lady is still giving out pleasure to many a day tripper old and young alike.

Katya said...

What a great set of photos! They are terrific, and I could almost hear the engines and smell the salty air!

I really enjoyed the tour, complete with pipers! How wonderful.

Great job!