Britain being renown as a maritime nation, has a great history related to its nautical heritage.
Whilst much has changed over the years with the closure of many shipbuilding and refit yards, a number of "retired" vessels have caught the imagination of the public.
Whilst a certain amount of nostalgia may be at the forefront of determined preservation in keeping the dream alive, it is this determination and commitment of a collective of interested parties in ensuring that the goal of success is achieved and maintained.
In the year of her 75th Anniversary, the Padde Steamer Waverley has had an illustrious career (she was named after the literary great Sir Walter Scott's, "The Waverley Novels").
Her claim to fame is being the only operating, seagoing Paddle Steamer in the world, thus she has quite a reputation to maintain.
A National Treasure
She is referred to as a National Treasure and is recognised in the National Register of Historical Ships.
Having carried over 6 million passengers to date, this bears testimony to the ongoing popularity of the vessel.
To this day she operates in her original livery and maintains her steam powered status with her triple expansion reciprocating steam engine delivering 2100 shaft horsepower, with recorded speeds up to 18.37 knots.
Built in 1946 on the Clyde by A & J Inglis, launching in 1947, her original duties were as a ferry Service running the route of Graigendoran to Lochgoilhead and Arrochar at the head of Loch Long.
Service in the Clyde
She saw service in the Clyde area till 1973 when her then Owners, Caledonian MacBrayne retired her, subsequently selling her to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for the princely sum of £1.
This saw the birth of the Waverley Steam Navigation Company Limited who were charged with ensuring her viable survival as an operational vessel.
Fast forward to the present and with the recent impact of the Covid pandemic, Waverley had to cancel a number of its cruises but has undergone a £2.3 million major refit in Greenock in the interim which was inclusive of the renewal of both her Boilers.
Successful sea trails followed and all is in good order for the vessel to undertake its itinerary.
Vessel would normally sail from May to October but this was seriously impacted with the arrival of the Covid pandemic.
As the Covid situation is of a dynamic situation, sailings have initially been scheduled from June 26th to August 22nd 2021.
These sailings are destined to be on the West Coast of Scotland. The status of the vessel, schedules and bookings can be confirmed on the Company Website:-
A warm welcome awaits
A warm welcome awaits the return of passengers after this period of active dormancy.
Onboard there are two areas specifically recommended for scenic viewing, one the Observation Lounge, which is located at the bow end of the vessel.
At the stern end of the vessel is the Viewing Deck where not only are there the views but one can capture the wake of the vessel as she glides through the water.
The Talisman Whisky Bar
The onboard Dining Saloon also affords grand views for its Diners-on this subject potential Diners can book their Dining Saloon table at the Talisman Whisky Bar (known as the Lower Bar and the Talisman takes its name from Sir Walter Scott's novel, "The Talisman".
This was based on a story of the Crusaders) where there is a large selection of Malt Whiskies available, as well as various spirits, draught/bottled beers and cider. For those abstaining there is tea, coffee and soft drinks available.
In addition, the Jeanie Deans Lounge (named after the heroine in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Heart of Midlothian", whilst as an aside, another Clyde Paddle Steamer took the name Jeanie Deans-sadly lost to the Breaker's Yard), again has a selection of alcoholic beverages, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks with Pub snacks available.
For those seeking a light snack there is the Caledonia Tearoom (named after Sir Walter Scott's poem "O Caledonia"). Soup, Sandwiches, Cakes, etc, are a standard fare here, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks.
There is a shop that sells mementoes, souvenirs and nautical memorabilia, added to this one there is a postbox onboard which facilitates the sending of postcards franked with a Waverley stamp.
Much the heart and soul of the vessel is the propulsion system which has great vantage points for viewing its operation.
The sight, the sounds, and aromatic redolence of the triple expansion engine in perfect unison turning the paddles-all this can be viewed at close quarters with the added bonus of asking the Duty Engineer any questions.
In conclusion, it is only to be emphasised that the vessel Waverley acts in harmony with its surroundings to afford scenic views from sea level.
Every picture tells a story
The old adage, "Every picture tells a story" and the photos of the various aspects of the vessel's encounter with its scenery and operation only serve to accentuate these dramatic backdrops.
It is a tribute to the volunteers and professionals that run and maintain the Waverley that in giving so much pleasure and opportunity to its passengers, it certainly looks to keep the dream of this National Treasure alive.
Grateful thanks to Keith Robinson for his stunning photos.
Associated Websites of Interest:-
www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk