PS Waverley
Encyclopedia
PS Waverley is the last seagoing passenger
carrying paddle steamer
in the world. Built in 1946, she sailed from Craigendoran
on the Firth of Clyde
to Arrochar
on Loch Long
until 1973. Purchased by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, she has been restored to her 1947 appearance and now operates passenger excursions around the British coast.
Since 2003, Waverley has been listed in the British National Register of Historic Ships core collection as 'a vessel of pre-eminent national importance'.
. She was built in 1946 as a replacement for an earlier PS Waverley of 1899 that took part in the WW II
war effort as a minesweeper
and was sunk in 1940 while helping with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk
. The new 693-tonne steamer was launched in October 1946 at builders A. & J. Inglis, Glasgow
, and entered service in June 1947. She was built for the London and North Eastern Railway
to sail on their Firth of Clyde
steamer route from Craigendoran Pier, near Helensburgh
, up Loch Long
to Arrochar
, and in her first year in service she wore that company's red, white and black funnel colours.
In 1948 nationalisation of Britain's railway companies brought the steamers under the control of the Caledonian Steam Packet Company (CSP), a subsidiary of the Railway Executive, and the funnels were repainted yellow with a black top. In 1965 a Scottish red lion rampant was fixed to each side of both funnels, and her hull was painted monastral blue until 1970.
After a revival of pre-war fortunes in the 1950s, the 1960s saw a gradual change in holiday habits leading to a decline in passenger numbers, and the closure of many of the small piers. Since 1969, and the formation of the Scottish Transport Group, the CSP had been gradually merging with the West Highland shipping and ferry company David MacBrayne Ltd, and in 1973 the company became Caledonian MacBrayne
Ltd.
Listed as part of the National Historic Fleet, Core Collection
, between 2000 and 2003 the ship underwent a substantial rebuild and reboilering, funded principally by the Heritage Lottery Fund
. The work was done in two stages at the shipyard of George Prior at Great Yarmouth and has succeeded in returning the ship to her original 1946 livery with the inclusion of many 21st Century safety and technological improvements.
In 2009 the ship was affiliated with , having hosted the official dignitary party at Defender’s launch on the River Clyde. And in 2011 the ship was awarded the Institution of Mechanical Engineers 65th Engineering Heritage Award.
pier, Waverleys steering failed and she struck the rocks to the south known as ‘The Gantocks′. Firmly aground and down by the head the ship was extensively damaged. There was some doubt about whether or not she would hold together on refloating but she did, and she was repaired and returned to service. Her survival was attributed to her heavier than normal post World War II construction which had included provision for minesweeping gear and a deck gun in case she was ever requisitioned by the Admiralty for use in a future conflict.
On 15 September 2008, Waverley was involved in minor damage to Worthing
Pier
. After she berthed and secured lines to pier bollards, part of the landing stage became dislodged. No damage was sustained to the steamer but she had to depart without taking on passengers. The only damage to the pier was that a length of timber was pulled out.
On 26 June 2009, Waverley struck the pier at Dunoon
, resulting in damage to both the ship and pier. Some 700 people were on board at the time, and 12 suffered minor injuries. The ship returned to Glasgow
, where a damage assessment was carried out. One week later she was back in service on the Clyde.
PS Waverley has had a number of differing variations of colour scheme throughout its life. Early photographs show paddle boxes painted sometimes white and sometimes black, and square 'windows' instead of today's port holes. The gold stripe along the hull is sometimes present in shots and sometimes not. Also lifeboat arrangements have varied depending on the legislation at the time. Between 1975 and 1980 there was only one traditional life boat on the rear deck giving the ship a quirky unbalanced appearance from the rear.
For most of its life the upper passenger cabins were painted white and featured wooden doors; all have undergone layout improvements at some time in the ship's life. Sailing in all weathers in salt water can cause pale brown rust streaks to appear by the end of each season, so cosmetic painting and improvements are undertaken annually as the ship is drydocked and checked by the Department of Transport.
Since 1962, when PS Waverleys original funnels were renewed, replacement items had sat slightly out of parallel due to their heavier welded steel construction. The problem was addressed in the 2000-2003 refit and Waverleys funnels now run true.
Today the steamer features the noticeable red, white and black funnels with the traditional brown grained (or "scumbled") superstructure (of 1947) and black paddle-wheel boxes, decorated with gold lettering on each side.
The ship's operators claim Waverley is "probably the most photographed ship in the world".
The Waverley is powered by a triple-expansion, three-crank diagonal steam engine (made by Rankin & Blackmore, Engineers, Eagle Foundry, Greenock
, Scotland
), which is rated at 2,100 IHP and achieved a trial speed of 18.37 knots at 57.8 rpm
. Passengers can watch these engines from passageways on each side of the engine room.
The main crank is solidly attached to both paddle wheels so they cannot turn independently of each other. The Waverley therefore has a much larger turning circle than modern ferries.
, the Thames, the South Coast of England
and the Bristol Channel
. She also undertakes private charters and provides an authentic backdrop for television documentaries and movies such as 2011's Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
.
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
carrying paddle steamer
Paddle steamer
A paddle steamer is a steamship or riverboat, powered by a steam engine, using paddle wheels to propel it through the water. In antiquity, Paddle wheelers followed the development of poles, oars and sails, where the first uses were wheelers driven by animals or humans...
in the world. Built in 1946, she sailed from Craigendoran
Craigendoran
Craigendoran is a suburb at the eastern end of Helensburgh in Scotland, on the northern shore of the Firth of Clyde. The name is from the Gaelic for "the rock of the otter"....
on the Firth of Clyde
Firth of Clyde
The Firth of Clyde forms a large area of coastal water, sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the Kintyre peninsula which encloses the outer firth in Argyll and Ayrshire, Scotland. The Kilbrannan Sound is a large arm of the Firth of Clyde, separating the Kintyre Peninsula from the Isle of Arran.At...
to Arrochar
Arrochar
Arrochar can refer to:* Arrochar, Argyll and Bute, Scotland** Arrochar and Tarbet railway station** Arrochar Alps, Argyll and Bute, a group of small mountains* Arrochar, Staten Island, New York** Arrochar...
on Loch Long
Loch Long
Loch Long is a body of water in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The sea loch extends from the Firth of Clyde at its southwestern end. It measures approximately 20 miles in length, with a width of between one and two miles...
until 1973. Purchased by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, she has been restored to her 1947 appearance and now operates passenger excursions around the British coast.
Since 2003, Waverley has been listed in the British National Register of Historic Ships core collection as 'a vessel of pre-eminent national importance'.
History
PS Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott's first novelWaverley (novel)
Waverley is an 1814 historical novel by Sir Walter Scott. Initially published anonymously in 1814 as Scott's first venture into prose fiction, Waverley is often regarded as the first historical novel. It became so popular that Scott's later novels were advertised as being "by the author of...
. She was built in 1946 as a replacement for an earlier PS Waverley of 1899 that took part in the WW II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
war effort as a minesweeper
Minesweeper (ship)
A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
and was sunk in 1940 while helping with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk
Battle of Dunkirk
The Battle of Dunkirk was a battle in the Second World War between the Allies and Germany. A part of the Battle of France on the Western Front, the Battle of Dunkirk was the defence and evacuation of British and allied forces in Europe from 26 May–4 June 1940.After the Phoney War, the Battle of...
. The new 693-tonne steamer was launched in October 1946 at builders A. & J. Inglis, Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, and entered service in June 1947. She was built for the London and North Eastern Railway
London and North Eastern Railway
The London and North Eastern Railway was the second-largest of the "Big Four" railway companies created by the Railways Act 1921 in Britain...
to sail on their Firth of Clyde
Firth of Clyde
The Firth of Clyde forms a large area of coastal water, sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the Kintyre peninsula which encloses the outer firth in Argyll and Ayrshire, Scotland. The Kilbrannan Sound is a large arm of the Firth of Clyde, separating the Kintyre Peninsula from the Isle of Arran.At...
steamer route from Craigendoran Pier, near Helensburgh
Helensburgh
Helensburgh is a town in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It lies on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde and the eastern shore of the entrance to the Gareloch....
, up Loch Long
Loch Long
Loch Long is a body of water in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The sea loch extends from the Firth of Clyde at its southwestern end. It measures approximately 20 miles in length, with a width of between one and two miles...
to Arrochar
Arrochar
Arrochar can refer to:* Arrochar, Argyll and Bute, Scotland** Arrochar and Tarbet railway station** Arrochar Alps, Argyll and Bute, a group of small mountains* Arrochar, Staten Island, New York** Arrochar...
, and in her first year in service she wore that company's red, white and black funnel colours.
In 1948 nationalisation of Britain's railway companies brought the steamers under the control of the Caledonian Steam Packet Company (CSP), a subsidiary of the Railway Executive, and the funnels were repainted yellow with a black top. In 1965 a Scottish red lion rampant was fixed to each side of both funnels, and her hull was painted monastral blue until 1970.
After a revival of pre-war fortunes in the 1950s, the 1960s saw a gradual change in holiday habits leading to a decline in passenger numbers, and the closure of many of the small piers. Since 1969, and the formation of the Scottish Transport Group, the CSP had been gradually merging with the West Highland shipping and ferry company David MacBrayne Ltd, and in 1973 the company became Caledonian MacBrayne
Caledonian MacBrayne
Caledonian MacBrayne is the major operator of passenger and vehicle ferries, and ferry services, between the mainland of Scotland and 22 of the major islands on Scotland's west coast...
Ltd.
Restoration
Waverley was withdrawn after the 1973 season as too costly to operate and in need of significant expenditure. By then the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS), had been set up as a registered UK charity, and had acquired the near-derelict small River Dart paddler . Caledonian MacBrayne, keen to ensure that the ship was preserved, sold Waverley to the PSPS for the token sum of one pound (GBP). Neither side really believed that the vessel would return to steam but, just in case, Caledonian MacBrayne stipulated that she should not sail in competition with their remaining cruise vessel, . A public appeal was launched to secure funding for the return of the Waverley to service and the fund-raising operation was successful. The PSPS found themselves running a cruise ship operation, Waverley Excursions. Since then Waverley has been joined in the PSPS fleet by and , and has had a series of extensive refits and a lot of restoration work, including a new boiler and improvements to meet modern safety standards. She has circumnavigated Britain and every year carries out extensive sailings around the country.Listed as part of the National Historic Fleet, Core Collection
National Historic Fleet, Core Collection
The National Historic Fleet, Core Collection is a list of museum ships located in the United Kingdom, under the National Historic Ships register.The vessels on the National Historic Fleet are distinguished by:...
, between 2000 and 2003 the ship underwent a substantial rebuild and reboilering, funded principally by the Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund
The Heritage Lottery Fund is a fund established in the United Kingdom under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. The Fund opened for applications in 1994. It uses money raised through the National Lottery to transform and sustain the UK’s heritage...
. The work was done in two stages at the shipyard of George Prior at Great Yarmouth and has succeeded in returning the ship to her original 1946 livery with the inclusion of many 21st Century safety and technological improvements.
In 2009 the ship was affiliated with , having hosted the official dignitary party at Defender’s launch on the River Clyde. And in 2011 the ship was awarded the Institution of Mechanical Engineers 65th Engineering Heritage Award.
Setbacks
On the evening of Friday 15 July 1977 while returning from a cruise and approaching DunoonDunoon
Dunoon is a resort town situated on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll, Scotland. It sits on the Firth of Clyde to the south of Holy Loch and to the west of Gourock.-Waterfront:...
pier, Waverleys steering failed and she struck the rocks to the south known as ‘The Gantocks′. Firmly aground and down by the head the ship was extensively damaged. There was some doubt about whether or not she would hold together on refloating but she did, and she was repaired and returned to service. Her survival was attributed to her heavier than normal post World War II construction which had included provision for minesweeping gear and a deck gun in case she was ever requisitioned by the Admiralty for use in a future conflict.
On 15 September 2008, Waverley was involved in minor damage to Worthing
Worthing
Worthing is a large seaside town with borough status in West Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, forming part of the Brighton/Worthing/Littlehampton conurbation. It is situated at the foot of the South Downs, west of Brighton, and east of the county town of Chichester...
Pier
Pier
A pier is a raised structure, including bridge and building supports and walkways, over water, typically supported by widely spread piles or pillars...
. After she berthed and secured lines to pier bollards, part of the landing stage became dislodged. No damage was sustained to the steamer but she had to depart without taking on passengers. The only damage to the pier was that a length of timber was pulled out.
On 26 June 2009, Waverley struck the pier at Dunoon
Dunoon
Dunoon is a resort town situated on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll, Scotland. It sits on the Firth of Clyde to the south of Holy Loch and to the west of Gourock.-Waterfront:...
, resulting in damage to both the ship and pier. Some 700 people were on board at the time, and 12 suffered minor injuries. The ship returned to Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, where a damage assessment was carried out. One week later she was back in service on the Clyde.
Layout
For most of its life the upper passenger cabins were painted white and featured wooden doors; all have undergone layout improvements at some time in the ship's life. Sailing in all weathers in salt water can cause pale brown rust streaks to appear by the end of each season, so cosmetic painting and improvements are undertaken annually as the ship is drydocked and checked by the Department of Transport.
Since 1962, when PS Waverleys original funnels were renewed, replacement items had sat slightly out of parallel due to their heavier welded steel construction. The problem was addressed in the 2000-2003 refit and Waverleys funnels now run true.
Today the steamer features the noticeable red, white and black funnels with the traditional brown grained (or "scumbled") superstructure (of 1947) and black paddle-wheel boxes, decorated with gold lettering on each side.
The ship's operators claim Waverley is "probably the most photographed ship in the world".
The Waverley is powered by a triple-expansion, three-crank diagonal steam engine (made by Rankin & Blackmore, Engineers, Eagle Foundry, Greenock
Greenock
Greenock is a town and administrative centre in the Inverclyde council area in United Kingdom, and a former burgh within the historic county of Renfrewshire, located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
), which is rated at 2,100 IHP and achieved a trial speed of 18.37 knots at 57.8 rpm
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
. Passengers can watch these engines from passageways on each side of the engine room.
The main crank is solidly attached to both paddle wheels so they cannot turn independently of each other. The Waverley therefore has a much larger turning circle than modern ferries.
Service
Today Waverley operates passenger excursions from a variety of British ports. She regularly sails from Glasgow and other towns on the Firth of ClydeFirth of Clyde
The Firth of Clyde forms a large area of coastal water, sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the Kintyre peninsula which encloses the outer firth in Argyll and Ayrshire, Scotland. The Kilbrannan Sound is a large arm of the Firth of Clyde, separating the Kintyre Peninsula from the Isle of Arran.At...
, the Thames, the South Coast of England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and the Bristol Channel
Bristol Channel
The Bristol Channel is a major inlet in the island of Great Britain, separating South Wales from Devon and Somerset in South West England. It extends from the lower estuary of the River Severn to the North Atlantic Ocean...
. She also undertakes private charters and provides an authentic backdrop for television documentaries and movies such as 2011's Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is an upcoming 2011 British-American action mystery film directed by Guy Ritchie and produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, and Dan Lin. It is a sequel to the 2009 film Sherlock Holmes, based on the character of the same name created by Sir Arthur...
.