The Waverley's last season?

[Mercury]

All,

On Monday morning the operations manager of Waverley Excursions was interviewed on the Radio Scotland breakfast show. She confirmed what many of us had sensed - that due to poor summers and high fuel prices Waverley Excursions are in a poor financial situation. Fundamentally they have now run down their reserves and do not have funding to allow the vessel to sail beyond this summer.

They are working to try and secure state funding to support the operation - clearly something that will be difficult in the current climate.

So the long and short appears to be that unless we get a glorious summer and a outbreak of peace in the Middle East this may be her last year as an operational vessel.

Now WSN have a great knack of doing the impossible and keeping the old girl running - here's hoping they can do the same again.

Richard

[djcf]

Hi Richard,
Yes I saw this item online, they really do need a good season(s) for sure.

Thought it was a bit odd the spokeswoman mentioned the funding Calmac gets for its lifeline services....I can't see any connection to the day excursions trips Waverley offers.

I haven't been on board for a few years, but will get a trip this year for sure.
Clark

[Mercury]

Yes, the spokeswoman was a bit out of her depth.

I'm planning a few trips this year - footfall being critical.

[Eddy Matthews]

That's really bad news!

I had hoped to do the Oban - Iona cruise in a week or so, but my family problems have meant that I had to cancel. Sadly I doubt that I will be in a position to sail on Waverley this year, so I hope things aren't as bleak as they sound for her!

Eddy

[djcf]

Just heard today that Waverley's sailings tomorrow (Fri 27 may) and Sat 28th are cancelled. Not sure about Sunday or Monday as she wasn't rostered to call at Dunoon on these days.

[Talisman]

Hi Clark,
Would it be the weather has anything to do with it?

http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/dunoon

Disappointing news this week re the Dunoon ferry saga? So what happens to the new Loading ramp does it just sit a rot away?

Regards
Kim

[djcf]

Hi Kim,
I've heard it said they are waiting for a spare part for steering gear but I'm not 100% sure about that.

Re Dunoon/Gourock the passenger vessels are supposed to be using the new breakwater berth and I presume boarding passengers via the linkspan. Nothing written in stone yet but will know soon as the service starts 30th June.

Clark

[StewartM]

Fitz,

Waverley's whole weekend has now been canceled due to the steering problem.

Yes, new vessels intend to use the linkspan at both piers, Ali Cat in particular is due to get some mods to facilitate this.

S.

[djcf]

Hi Stewart, Thanks for that confirmation, might have been a bit of a wash out with the weather anyway.
I must get a sail or two this year....

[sandystrone]

Fitz
think they had better put some better facilities at the breakwater berth. It can be a bit wet when a sou'west swell is coming up firth!

Is your job secure? with all the shuffle around,
                                                                        Sandy

[djcf]

Hi Sandy,
As far as I know there will be some temp. accomidation going in at breakwater....not 100% sure about the job situation yet, will have to see what staffing levels they want, should know relatively soon I hope 

[Roderick Smith]

SS Shieldhall isn't a paddlesteamer, but does seem to be in a similar position.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

From www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-13344728 (which has a photo)
10 May 2011
Southampton steamer SS Shieldhall sails on after appeal .
SS Shieldhall is based at the Port of Southampton.
Charity's bid to save steamship
One of the largest remaining steamships in the UK is to be kept seaworthy after a fundraising appeal.
The Solent Steam Packet charity, running the SS Shieldhall, raised close to £80 000 in 4 months to pay for a dry dock inspection.
Rising fuel costs and falling passenger numbers had threatened the future of the Southampton-based vessel.
The charity said the successful appeal is only a "stay of execution" for the 55 yo ship.
The money to pay for the biennial dry dock inspection was raised mainly through private donations.
Without the inspection, it would not be allowed to sail and risked being scrapped.
Captain Peter Roberts said: "Without such generosity, there's no doubt that we would have had to scrap this lovely old steamship and we owe our supporters a great deal."
The charity has criticised the response to maritime heritage.
Managing director Graham Mackenzie, said: "Our biggest disappointment is that the marine industry, by and large, has ignored our appeal for help, with just two smaller companies making donations.
"It appears that philanthropy is not a factor in this sector anymore, which is a sad reflection on our great maritime trading nation."

[Channel]

SS Shieldhall isn't a paddlesteamer, but does seem to be in a similar position.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

From www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-13344728 (which has a photo)
10 May 2011
Southampton steamer SS Shieldhall sails on after appeal .
SS Shieldhall is based at the Port of Southampton.
Charity's bid to save steamship
One of the largest remaining steamships in the UK is to be kept seaworthy after a fundraising appeal.
The Solent Steam Packet charity, running the SS Shieldhall, raised close to £80 000 in 4 months to pay for a dry dock inspection.
Rising fuel costs and falling passenger numbers had threatened the future of the Southampton-based vessel.
The charity said the successful appeal is only a "stay of execution" for the 55 yo ship.
The money to pay for the biennial dry dock inspection was raised mainly through private donations.
Without the inspection, it would not be allowed to sail and risked being scrapped.
Captain Peter Roberts said: "Without such generosity, there's no doubt that we would have had to scrap this lovely old steamship and we owe our supporters a great deal."
The charity has criticised the response to maritime heritage.
Managing director Graham Mackenzie, said: "Our biggest disappointment is that the marine industry, by and large, has ignored our appeal for help, with just two smaller companies making donations.
"It appears that philanthropy is not a factor in this sector anymore, which is a sad reflection on our great maritime trading nation."

This statement is pre dry docking - the situation is a lot worse now . .

Chris

[djcf]

Waverley at Dunoon breakwater this evening about 1800. She looked quite busy.

[Channel]

Thats what we like to hear!!!