PS 'Monarch' Announcement

[monarch]

PS Monarch, built by Brian Waters, has moved to the Isle of Wight to continue offering a public service on the River Medina and around Cowes.
Her primary duties will be restricted to private charter use for parties with 12 or less guests although during weekends and school holidays she will be offering public cruises from Newport, Island Harbour and Trinity Landing in Cowes. Full details can be found at http://www.leisuresteam.co.uk, keep checking towards Feb 2008 for more complete information.
Currently, the vessel is undergoing a major refit which will include an overhaul of her saloon to be more accomodating for seated dining and a complete change in her livery.

Monarch's official press launch is scheduled to take place on 12th March 2008, after which public service is set to begin.

The Classic Boats Museum have pledged a number of beautiful motorboats to escort Monarch on her maiden voyage from Island Harbour into the Medina. We would be honoured if members of the SBA felt willing and able to join us as well to provide Monarch with a flotilla.

We hope to see as many people as possible down here on the Isle of Wight!! Please email dir@pporg.co.uk if you require further details.

Matthew O'Crowley

[tonyh]

Came across this blog re: the progress of PS 'Monarch'.

http://medinamonarch.blogspot.com/

Tony.

[Channel]

A few pictures from a trip on 'Monarch' yesterday from Newport down the Medina. The vessel is really looking smart and well cared for with exciting plans for a new boiler which will improve this great boat even further! Thanks for the helm Matt  

[Channel]

Monarch deep sea off Cowes!

[hucksdad]

What a beautiful little ship!

[monarch]

She's not that bad, handles nicely in a bit of chop too!

[R.G.Y.]

What a suprise. this is the first time i have known about the Monarch, as I am on the island next week 5July, I hope to have time for a visit. She will make a very good model if built too a large scale. R.G.Y

[monarch]

Shame on you!!  Come visit her and spead the word!!   

[Channel]

Some nice pictures of her here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/leightonian/3931423786/

[monarch]

Gosh, this is a sad announcement!  It was my dream to go to sea as a little boy, but got sucked into the landbased careers that were on offer.  At that time, it was impossible to join the MN as a mature entrant, but now that has changed.
As a result, I am looking to join up as a deck cadet-meaning that this coming Summer will be my last season on the Monarch.  As a result, we are looking for either:
Sale of PS Monarch
or.....
Charter of PS Monarch to be run as a stand alone business
or...............
Self employed skipper!

Apart from a sale (which we would be loathed to consider), this would be a temporary situation, and would maintain the boat for the future.

Sorry for this news, but the opportunity for me, personally, is too great to ignore......and it seems thay I am wanted!!  Anyway, with all of these giant paddle steamers being restored, there needs to be someone qualified to drive em!!

Matt

[chipmonk]

Hi Matt.
That's quite a shocker, but you must do whats best for you. I wish you all the best with the "big boys". I will just have to make sure that the model monarch is ready next summer.
Cheers.
Chris

[Channel]

Gosh, this is a sad announcement!  It was my dream to go to sea as a little boy, but got sucked into the landbased careers that were on offer.  At that time, it was impossible to join the MN as a mature entrant, but now that has changed.
As a result, I am looking to join up as a deck cadet-meaning that this coming Summer will be my last season on the Monarch.  As a result, we are looking for either:
Sale of PS Monarch
or.....
Charter of PS Monarch to be run as a stand alone business
or...............
Self employed skipper!

Apart from a sale (which we would be loathed to consider), this would be a temporary situation, and would maintain the boat for the future.

Sorry for this news, but the opportunity for me, personally, is too great to ignore......and it seems thay I am wanted!!  Anyway, with all of these giant paddle steamers being restored, there needs to be someone qualified to drive em!!

Matt

Matt,

You have my number . . . give me a call.

Chris

[monarch]

Sorry Chris, your number and contact details are lost!! Give me a shout on 01983 290124

Cheers,

Matt

[monarch]

As I said before, Monarch is either up for sale or long term charter owing to peronal circumstances,  She is a cracker, and her details are availble on Boatshed.com

Cheers,

Matt

[monarch]

Phew!!  Monarch will be coming off the market (which is a bit embarrassing as there are parties interested) as Ian (the other half of Monarch) has been offered another job!  The prospect of selling her was awful, but with the council taking his job away from him, forcing a move to the mainland, and me leaving the country in September-there was not much option but to let her go to a better home.

Therefore, we shall carry on with the motley and there will be many more seasons on the Isle of Wight to come!!

....Can't tell you how relieved I am!

Just need to get my arm fixed in time to be able to drive her by the start of the season!!