An appeal has been launched today to “urgently” raise funds to enable the historic Paddle Steamer Waverley to afford dry dock fees and re-commissioning costs - and therefore sail in 2023.
In 2022, the Waverley operated in several areas around the UK coast following the easing of pandemic restrictions, but operating costs soared which has resulted in a lack of funds to survive the winter maintenance period.
Despite carrying more than 100,000 passengers, with sailings in Scotland, on the south coast and up the River Thames to London, there is a cash shortfall.
Paul Semple, Waverley’s general manager, explained: “Waverley must be taken out of the water and dry docked annually before her sailing season begins.
“She is now booked to dry dock in late-March and then re-enter service in May, but due to increased operating costs last season we don’t have enough money to afford this year’s dry dock and the numerous other costs we incur in the weeks before Waverley starts sailing.
“Last year our fuel costs increased by more than 60% - or in real terms by over £300,000 - this is a cost which the owning charity hasn’t been able to withstand, so we urgently need to raise funds or we simply can’t afford the start up costs for this coming summer season.”
The appeal has a target of £180,000 with over £35,000 already raised. Those who donate by 1 March will be entered into a draw to be selected for the opportunity to visit Waverley and see her out of the water in dry dock.
Semple continued: “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, so we are asking for help from anyone who wishes to see Waverley sail again this summer to support our appeal.”
Waverley’s outline sailing programme for 2023 has also been published, with the ship scheduled to start operating in May on the Firth of Clyde.
The vessel is also due to visit Oban and the Inner Hebrides, the Bristol channel, the south coast and London. Sailings from Liverpool and Llandudno are dependent on pier repairs being completed at the North Wales resort.
Waverley was built in Glasgow for the London and North Eastern Railway, launched on 2 October 1946, before entering service in on 16 June 1947. This year marks the 75th anniversary of her maiden voyage.
The last seagoing paddle steamer and was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society in 1974 for £1. Since then, she has carried more than six million passengers.
Following a major £7m Heritage Rebuild in 2003, Waverley was fully restored to her original 1940s style.
In 2020, she underwent a £2.3m refit following a successful appeal, with more than £1m being raised through public donations.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
