Author Topic: Waverley Updates - 2018  (Read 17938 times)

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Waverley Updates - 2018
« on: May 28, 2018, 10:45 AM »
Hi,
 
Can our Waverley experts tell me why it was sailing this weekend on the Clyde and not up to Oban!  I was thinking I'd have liked to have been on her until I read this...

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/16253083.Police_called_to_family-friendly_boat_trip_after_it_descends_into__booze_cruise__madness/

What are they going to do to sort out this problem?  I tell everyone to not go near the Waverley on a Saturday.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2018, 10:48 AM by Rob Lightbody »
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #1 on: May 28, 2018, 01:14 PM »
Hi Rob,

She has sailed on the Clyde during May Bank Holiday for the last couple of seasons - she heads to Oban tomorrow.

I guess its a good shakedown weekend to iron out any post layup issues.

As to the article - this is nothing new as far as I'm concerned. I wasn't on board on Saturday but have spoken to a few who were and they said there were a few rowdy characters whom the local police had a word with when she returned to Glasgow that night but otherwise it was  good cruise in great weather.

I personally wouldn't and don't recommend Saturday's to people - Sundays or through the weekend are generally better.

Saturdays attract the Hen Do / Stag Do / Pub or Work day out which usually means the ship is busier and noisier!

That article amps it up a bit too much - given what I was told and there is security on board during the upriver leg on Saturdays.

Personally I doubt Waverley Excursions will do anything!!!

Gav

Offline cunardqueen

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2018, 01:27 PM »
Some might say its part of the perks of being Scottish.....
But dont judge the ship or the event by a few idiots.
Bringing the law into it, its an offence to serve someone who is drunk , more drink. Now you try telling a person who is drunk that. you pay as well blow in the wind. But by and large alcohol sales do bring in a good source of revenue. The dreaded Tattoo ink festival onboard Queen Mary is simply a gold mine, and granted it doesnt always go as planned, the minor incidents are "tolerated" 
Then again their classic sunday brunch is an event with free pouring "Champagne" In truth its sparkling wine,  and l have yet to see folk going round out of their minds on drink   and they really do keep your glass filled up untill you say No

What i find so strange is l worked at New year Bash in Scotland, it was smply nothing more that a glorified piss up .. and scenes of vile behaviour and the group was no more than a hundred...

Yet l have been to New year parties in Vegas, Queen Mary, A Gala Bash on The Medway in San Diego (with a hosted bar !!!)  and none of the events have the drinking culture of us Scottish....sad but true...
But Scotland im afraid to say, we do have  a nasty relationship with drink.
From the moment you first glimpsed the Queen,
 you just knew you were in for a very special time ahead.!

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2018, 08:02 AM »
I wasn't on over the weekend but Lorraine Hamilton, Robbie Mathieson and Robert Brown gave me their permission to post some photos.

(1) Passing Meadowside, Glasgow on Sunday - the Govan Shipyard of BAE Systems (formerly Fairfields) just coming into view on right of shot. (Robbie Mathieson)
(2) At Keppel Pier, Cumbrae on Sunday. Unfortunately Millport Pier will be out of commission for the foreseeable future as the local council are reluctant to effect the repairs to allow Waverley to call. Keppel Pier is on the east side of the island and is owned by the marine laboratory there who kindly allow Waverley to use it during her season. (Robert Brown)
(3) Inbound passing Renfrew on Sunday evening after another busy summer day on the river. I love these stern shots in the setting sun with the red ensign fluttering in the breeze. (Lorraine Hamilton)

Gav



Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #4 on: May 31, 2018, 08:20 AM »
Waverley is currently berthed at Kyle of Lochalsh pier having sailed to Oban from Glasgow on Tuesday and then onwards to Kyle yesterday. She will be sailing from Kyle for the next two days calling at Rassay and Portree, Isle of Skye.

The Glasgow - Oban sailing is unique in it being the longest excursion sailing Waverley undertakes during her season - due to passenger certificate restrictions she cannot carry passengers on her other "positioning runs" between sailing areas (Merseyside, Bristol Channel, South Coast, Thames) - I have taken this sailing 5 times and in the right weather it is glorius - its a long day but worth it! After leaving Glasgow at 0700 she calls at Greenock, Campbeltown and Colonsay before arriving at Oban North Pier at 2030.

A few shots from James Ross and Ronnie Brown taken during that day.

(1) Heading downriver with Dumbarton Rock approaching on the starboard side. Water is like a mill pond!
(2) Exiting the Tan Channel - which is the stretch of water between Large and Small Cumbrae, River Clyde.
(3) Leaving the Sound of Islay behind heading for Colonsay.
(4) Stern view of her alongside at Colonsay with The Paps of Jura in the background.
(5) Taking a well earned rest in a beautiful Western Isles sunset - Oban North Pier.
(6) A busy Oban Bay the following morning:
     Waverley at North Pier - right in shot
     Coll, Tiree and Barra ferry mv Clansman centre shot
     Isle of Mull ferry mv Isle of Mull left in shot
     Isle of Lismore ferry mv Loch Striven heading for her berth astern of Isle of Mull left in shot.

The Western Isles sailings are truly unique these days - these sailings are not offered by any other vessel in 2018. Balmoral undertook a similar programme during July last year but sadly she is unable to sail this year due to a funding shortfall - fingers crossed for 2019!

In the meantime I hope you enjoy these photos - if not of the ship (why not??  ;D ) but of the scenery!

I have many pictures from the four times I have joined the ship for these 10 day sojourns - the programme has changed since I was last on (she used to head to Oban on a Friday and do the Skye sailings through the week) but these waters will always be amongst the most beautiful I have ever had the privilege to sail on!

Gav


« Last Edit: May 31, 2018, 08:22 AM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #5 on: May 31, 2018, 11:18 AM »
Beautiful landscape and ship, also like the paddle steamer wake from her paddle wheels! Excellent photos!
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #6 on: May 31, 2018, 01:05 PM »
Beautiful landscape and ship, also like the paddle steamer wake from her paddle wheels! Excellent photos!

And you can see from the gap between the wake why she doesn't steer well at slow speed!!!

:)

If you haven't already done this and are interested in the more techy parts of the World's Last Seagoing Paddle Steamer then take a look at this thread

Waverley Tech Stuff


Gav
« Last Edit: May 31, 2018, 01:10 PM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #7 on: May 31, 2018, 01:54 PM »
And you can see from the gap between the wake why she doesn't steer well at slow speed!!!

:)

If you haven't already done this and are interested in the more techy parts of the World's Last Seagoing Paddle Steamer then take a look at this thread

Waverley Tech Stuff


Gav


I'm not surprised by the low speed handling other than surely using the paddle wheels at low speed makes her quite manoeuvrable, instead of her rudder, given their traction? I will take a look at the thread  :)
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #8 on: May 31, 2018, 02:29 PM »

I'm not surprised by the low speed handling other than surely using the paddle wheels at low speed makes her quite manoeuvrable, instead of her rudder, given their traction? I will take a look at the thread  :)

Hi Thomas,

Her wheels are fixed on either end of the main engine crankshaft - ie they cant rotate in opposite directions. This apparently was a requirement of commercial side wheel paddlers after a tug was sunk due to being girted by its tow whilst turning sharply. (I think that's the reason anyway)

Naval paddle tugs were still allowed to have contra rotating wheels.

Gav

Offline Lynda Bradford

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #9 on: May 31, 2018, 05:06 PM »
Brilliant pictures Gav.  They have been lucky with the good weather this week, so hopefully it has been a good start to the season. 

Pity about the trouble makers onboard the boat last Saturday.  I always think there is two types of passengers - the people up on deck who are enjoying the views, eating their sandwiches and drinking tea/coffee or alcohol in moderation.  Then there is the party crowd!   

The party crowd seem to be onboard on Saturdays, whatever the weather - they usually are in the bar downstairs, then off at Rothesay for more booze.

I am going on the trip from Oban to Coll and back on Monday, which I am looking forward to and yes I will be up on deck enjoying the view and not partying!
I was proud to be involved with planning QE2's 50 year conference in September 2017 in Clydebank

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #10 on: May 31, 2018, 06:50 PM »
Hi Thomas,

Her wheels are fixed on either end of the main engine crankshaft - ie they cant rotate in opposite directions. This apparently was a requirement of commercial side wheel paddlers after a tug was sunk due to being girted by its tow whilst turning sharply. (I think that's the reason anyway)

Naval paddle tugs were still allowed to have contra rotating wheels.

Gav


That, as you said, must make manouvering a nightmare sometimes!
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #11 on: Jun 03, 2018, 12:23 PM »
With the glorious weather Scotland has been getting for weeks now, I would have given anything to be on Waverley this weekend - anything.  But work and family commitments would have stopped me, even if I had planned ahead.  I'll try for next year!
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline pete cain

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #12 on: Jun 03, 2018, 07:39 PM »
Gav, thanks for posting these photos, after such a long winter & too short a summer they are a tonic, I find the light 'up there' almost Baltic like, really different, & Waverley well she's just something to behold.
   As for the liking for drink mentioned by Myles, it isn't only a Scottish thing , we suffer it down here also, maybe more a 'Northern thing'
 eh   (share it about a bit) :-\

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #13 on: Jun 03, 2018, 07:59 PM »
Gav, thanks for posting these photos, after such a long winter & too short a summer they are a tonic, I find the light 'up there' almost Baltic like, really different, & Waverley well she's just something to behold.
   As for the liking for drink mentioned by Myles, it isn't only a Scottish thing , we suffer it down here also, maybe more a 'Northern thing'
 eh   (share it about a bit) :-\

And the notorious "nights out" here on the South Coast! Not to mention our Navy's famous drinking  ;)
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Lynda Bradford

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #14 on: Jun 03, 2018, 08:29 PM »
Staying in Oban and looking forward to the Waverley cruise of the Isles tomorrow. Very warm earlier but a light shower of rain has cooled the air. Beautiful view over Oban Bay.
I was proud to be involved with planning QE2's 50 year conference in September 2017 in Clydebank

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #15 on: Jun 11, 2018, 03:21 PM »
Well Waverley is now back on her home river - a short break until the Clyde season starts Friday 22nd June although I cant help thinking they've missed a trick by not getting her out on short cruises just now given the weather we're having here on the Clyde just now!

Her Western Isles sailings appear to have been well patronised and with little or no disruption due to weather or otherwise!

A couple of shots attached:

(1) About to go under the Skye Bridge heading for Kyle of Lochalsh (G Alexander)
(2) Rounding Cloch Point, River Clyde on her return to the river last Tuesday night (J Huggins)

In the second shot you will notice she is flying a number of flags.

a) At the bow on her jackstaff is the Pilot Jack - which is basically a white bordered Union Flag.
b) Top of the foremast is her name pennant
c) Atop the bridge is her pilot exemption flag and the MacBraynes House Flag - David MacBrayne was the steamer company serving the Western Isles until they were merged with Caledonian Steam Packet Co in 1973 to become Caledonian MacBrayne - the company who gifted Waverley to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society less than a year later.
Waverley only ever flies this flag on her Western Isles sailings when shes in "MacBraynes territory"
d) Main Mast - at the top is the house flag of Waverley Steam Navigation Co - the company set up in 1974 to own the vessel on behalf of the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. Mid way down the mast is the house flag of SGV (Schiffahrtsgesellschaft des Vierwaldstattersees) - the company who run the paddle steamer fleet on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. There has been a close relationship between to the two companies over the years and Waverley has flown this flag on many occasions during her Western Isles programmes. SGV
e) Finally at her stern flies the Red Ensign or "duster" - the flag proudly flown by a British merchant cargo or passenger vessel since 1707.

So - a good start to her season but much remains. Heres hoping that the weather is kind and she remains free from the mechanical issues which have blighted the last few seasons. I still hear the phrase " why has she so many tech issues?" Remember folks the first phase of her heritage refurb was completed in 2000 and the final phase in 2003, 18 and 15 years ago respectively AND the main parts of her are still vintage 1946!!

Gav

« Last Edit: Jun 11, 2018, 03:34 PM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #16 on: Jun 11, 2018, 03:39 PM »

That, as you said, must make manouvering a nightmare sometimes!

Hi Thomas,

Some people are alarmed at the speed at which Waverley approaches piers - she needs to do this as her rudder doesn't really have an effect at anything less than 5 knots so she needs to keep way on to maintain steerage. She does stop very well however!

When I was a regular on board the first thing I was amazed at was the way the ship is manoeuvred using a combo of engine movements and rope positioning. It is a joy to watch!

Gav

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #17 on: Jun 25, 2018, 10:48 AM »
Hi Folks,

The weekend just past was the first of Waverley's main Clyde Season during which she undertook the following sailings:

(1) Glasgow - Kilcreggan - Dunoon - Rothesay return
(2) Glasgow - Greenock - Helensburgh - Dunoon - Rothesay - Tighnabruiach (via Kyles of Bute) return
(3) Glasgow - Largs - Lochranza (Arran) - Campbeltown - Cruise round Sanda Isles - Return

The weather was great here so loadings were good as far as I aware although Saturday was blighted by some idiot who decided to jump overboard as the ship arrived back at Glasgow - I don't know the full detail but the law were waiting for him on the quayside so I guess he'd been causing issues earlier - and also assume he thought he could get away by swimming! This is the sort of behaviour that gets the paddler a bad name on Saturdays - some people just cant seem to keep it real it would appear!
Thankfully it appears to be from her after end - had this been forward end then the danger of her 11 ton paddle wheels mashing you to pieces is all too real!!!

Anyway on a happier note I've attached an excellent drone photo of Waverley approaching Tighnabruaich Pier on Saturday (Geo Harris) and of her departing from Largs Pier last night bound for Glasgow after her Campbeltown and Sanda Isles sailing (Stuart Cameron)

The weather this week is to be even better so hoping that is reflected in her numbers.

I'm very much looking forward to my sail to Brodick (Arran) from Greenock on Thurs 9th Aug. Thursdays are great - loads of piers and great scenery!

Gav
« Last Edit: Jun 26, 2018, 07:59 AM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline cunardqueen

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #18 on: Jun 25, 2018, 08:12 PM »
Quote
  I don't know the full detail but the law were waiting for him on the quayside so I guess he'd been causing issues earlier - and also assume he thought he could get away by swimming! This is the sort of behaviour that gets the paddler a bad name on Saturdays - some people just cant seem to keep it real it would appear! 
If you can believe the Sun, then the person had issues with the bar closing.
Sadly those of us who work behind the bar have to put up with a load of **** from the public. Even when we try to help them.
From the moment you first glimpsed the Queen,
 you just knew you were in for a very special time ahead.!

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #19 on: Jul 16, 2018, 12:03 PM »
Whilst waiting on the gangway being put onboard Queen Mary yesterday I took some photos of Waverley being turned in the river by work boat "Push In". She was heading down river on a cruise to Lochranza at the North end of the Isle of Arran. A sailing I hope to do on Sunday Aug 26th - her final Sunday of the main Clyde Season.
She used to turn by putting her bow into the entrance to Princes Dock and then warp round the quay onto her berth in front of the Science Centre but Queen Mary is now berthed there so until she moves onto her permanent berth that manoeuvre wont be possible.

These shots had me remembering the "flying cant" she used to do when berthing at Anderston Quay after a day's sailing. That's another story for another thread but suffice to say it was an excellent piece of ship handling!

I heard Waverley lost a couple of days last week due to a generator issue. She has two but cannot sail unless both are operational. Loading from Glasgow looked OK yesterday despite the dull and ultimately rainy weather.

Gav

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #20 on: Jul 16, 2018, 12:14 PM »
On the subject of the Flying Cant mentioned in my previous post - this YouTube clip shows it better than I could describe.

It was taken on the final weekend of sailings the paddler undertook from her original berth at Anderston Quay - her home since she started operation under the WSN flag in 1975 - before moving to her current berth at Glasgow Science Centre in 2004.

The move was necessary as a new fixed bridge was due to be built across the Clyde which would have locked her in the upper river for ever!!

The actual manoeuvre starts at around 8mins however worth watching from the start as she passes through the two opening bridges on the Clyde - The Millenium Bridge - located between the Science Centre and the BBC buildings and then Bells Bridge - which was built for the Garden Festival in 1988 and has remained in operation ever since!!

Hopefully you will enjoy watching what is a very tricky manoeuvre in a narrow space - also remember Waverley loses steerage way below 4/5knts....... :)

I was on board that day but (thankfully) haven't spotted me in this video :)

ps Waverley - Flying Cant July 2004

Gav

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #21 on: Aug 05, 2018, 04:03 PM »
I had a delightful day on the Clyde estuary and Holy Loch yesterday, on board a 130bhp Fletcher speed boat. I enjoyed it so much I've spend today on eBay and Gumtree!  Probably just as well that i can't afford the time or money involved.

I can now testify that experiencing the sorts of speed that QE2 could cruise at, in a very small craft, is extremely exciting!

Part of the day involved intercepting Waverley as she arrived into Dunoon, it was lovely being alongside to watch this at close hand.

https://flic.kr/p/28JtcgA

https://flic.kr/p/28rZtwV

https://flic.kr/p/28JsyfS

https://flic.kr/p/274Y5vS

https://flic.kr/p/28Jmyqo

https://flic.kr/p/MG9uaQ
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #22 on: Aug 05, 2018, 08:44 PM »
Really awesome photos, Rob ! And thanks for sharing.  Can you tell us please, a bit more about the speedboat ?  Thanks ! June  :)
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Bruce Nicholls

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #23 on: Aug 12, 2018, 11:32 AM »
I note from Facebook that Waverley now has outside security who's purpose appears to be mainly to prevent passengers taking their own alcohol on board. Given earlier comments about the 'bring your own' groups on board this looks like a step in the right direction.

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #24 on: Aug 12, 2018, 01:06 PM »
I note from Facebook that Waverley now has outside security who's purpose appears to be mainly to prevent passengers taking their own alcohol on board. Given earlier comments about the 'bring your own' groups on board this looks like a step in the right direction.

I'm going to miss travelling on Waverley this year (again), and part of the reason is that I refuse to travel on a Saturday, after previous experiences of stag dos and hen nights travelling with the specific intent to get very drunk on board.  The fact that they might not mange to come aboard with drink of their own, won't help when they start buying drink on board.  Its one aspect of the West of Scotland that I'm not particularly proud of.

Unfortunately not travelling on Saturday slashes my options, and I have lots of other stuff I have to fit in with my limited free time.

Photos below were taken while sober, with sober people, on a nice quiet boat...

Waverley and the seals by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr

Waverley leaving Dunoon by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr

PS Waverley approaching Dunoon Pier by Rob Lightbody, on Flickr
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline Bruce Nicholls

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #25 on: Aug 12, 2018, 06:18 PM »
At least the cash is now going to Waverley's finances.

Great photos by the way Rob.

Offline Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #26 on: Aug 13, 2018, 11:12 AM »
Beautiful pics, Rob!

Make me want to come back and spend a day on Waverley, enjoying the beautiful ship, the great company and the fabulous scenery.

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #27 on: Aug 13, 2018, 08:38 PM »
Great photos, Rob !  Thanks for posting them !  :)
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #28 on: Aug 14, 2018, 10:09 PM »
Great shots of the paddler folks!!

I was on board on Thursday 9th August Greenock - Brodick (Isle of Arran) - Largs and had a great wee sail. I'm away on business right now but will post some shots when I get back.

Not too long to go before her Clyde Season is over for yet another year - lets hope its been a good one for her and that her sailings down south realise good returns also.

Every little helps!

Gav

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #29 on: Aug 15, 2018, 10:08 PM »
Hi Folks,

A couple of short videos taken whilst on board Waverley last Thursday
First two are of her Greenock built triple expansion diagonal steam engine -  last one taken from starboard sponson looking forward as she powers her way across the Clyde from Cumbrae to Brodick.

Gav





« Last Edit: Mar 04, 2021, 10:20 AM by Rob Lightbody »

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #30 on: Aug 15, 2018, 11:43 PM »
Excellent videos Gav! Reminds me a bit of being on Shieldhall. Curious as to what the changing audio tone is in the background of your second video of the main engines? It isn't a warship type whistle/horn is it (as Shieldhall has along with her steam whistle)?
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Waverley

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #31 on: Aug 16, 2018, 12:21 AM »
Gav
I think that the tone in the background is coming from the airpump  which is removing the condensed steam from the condenser

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #32 on: Aug 16, 2018, 07:15 PM »
Hi Folks - if it’s a rising and falling kind of whooping tone then it’s her Weir steam driven boiler feed pump.

Gav


Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #33 on: Aug 31, 2018, 07:05 PM »
Poor old Waverley had a bit of a tough time last weekend, but a quick repair later, and the world's only seagoing paddlesteamer was able to storm down to Llandudno. Some great photos here.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/gallery/waverley-steams-to-llandudno-7680006
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #34 on: Sep 01, 2018, 08:44 PM »
Poor old Waverley had a bit of a tough time last weekend, but a quick repair later, and the world's only seagoing paddlesteamer was able to storm down to Llandudno. Some great photos here.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/gallery/waverley-steams-to-llandudno-7680006

Glad she's okay now and is down here to admire sometime - if she's in the Bournemouth area soon. My Dad told me yesterday that he went on Waverley from Bournemouth Pier (when a jetty used to project out from the end of the pier) to Swanage as a child (around 50 years ago now). He remembers her engine room in particular.
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #35 on: Sep 10, 2018, 01:19 PM »
Hi Thomas,

Waverley has only be sailing in preservation since 1975 on the Clyde and 1978 (I think) down south - might it have been 40yrs ago?

If not then perhaps it was on her ex fleetmate Jeanie Deans - she was withdrawn from Clyde service in 1964 and was bought for Thames and South Coast service which she operated from 1965 to 1967. It wasn't a huge success really due to the fact that she was getting on little (built 1931) so her boiler and wheels were in need of attention. She was scrapped at Antwerp in 1968.
 
She sailed as Queen of The South during the forementioned period.

ps Jeanie Deans

Gav

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #36 on: Sep 10, 2018, 02:00 PM »
Hi Thomas,

Waverley has only be sailing in preservation since 1975 on the Clyde and 1978 (I think) down south - might it have been 40yrs ago?

If not then perhaps it was on her ex fleetmate Jeanie Deans - she was withdrawn from Clyde service in 1964 and was bought for Thames and South Coast service which she operated from 1965 to 1967. It wasn't a huge success really due to the fact that she was getting on little (built 1931) so her boiler and wheels were in need of attention. She was scrapped at Antwerp in 1968.
 
She sailed as Queen of The South during the forementioned period.

ps Jeanie Deans

Gav


Hi Gav,

I suspect it was PS Jeanie Deans then. Thank you for the information, we never stop learning! She was a lovely paddler. I'll mention her when I next speak to my Dad.

Thomas
« Last Edit: Sep 10, 2018, 02:03 PM by Thomas Hypher »
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #37 on: Sep 10, 2018, 10:21 PM »
Glad she's okay now and is down here to admire sometime - if she's in the Bournemouth area soon. My Dad told me yesterday that he went on Waverley from Bournemouth Pier (when a jetty used to project out from the end of the pier) to Swanage as a child (around 50 years ago now). He remembers her engine room in particular.

I don't believe that jeanie Deans / Queen of the South went anywhere near Bournemouth. However, Bournemouth was a busy paddle steamer pier up until the early 60s with Cosens & Co running a substantial fleet

Their last paddler was PS Embassy whose last season was 1966

http://paddlesteamers.info/EmbassyDuchessofNorfolk.htm

Waverley is currently at Southampton but winds and high seas are playing havoc with her programme. Saturday was badly curtailed, Sunday cancelled. Monday was an off day. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is also cancelled
Regrettably, Bournemouth pier is no longer available for Waverley to call at - a major traffic source now off the radar, no doubt for good   


Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #38 on: Sep 11, 2018, 12:56 AM »
I don't believe that jeanie Deans / Queen of the South went anywhere near Bournemouth. However, Bournemouth was a busy paddle steamer pier up until the early 60s with Cosens & Co running a substantial fleet

Their last paddler was PS Embassy whose last season was 1966

http://paddlesteamers.info/EmbassyDuchessofNorfolk.htm

Waverley is currently at Southampton but winds and high seas are playing havoc with her programme. Saturday was badly curtailed, Sunday cancelled. Monday was an off day. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is also cancelled
Regrettably, Bournemouth pier is no longer available for Waverley to call at - a major traffic source now off the radar, no doubt for good

Thank you for the extra information tramscape. The puzzle deepens! I can try asking my Dad if he remembers any particular details of the paddle steamer he travelled on, but he was a young child at the time so this could've been 55 years or so ago let alone 50 years ago (he is 60 now).

Sorry to hear of Waverley's continuing problems on arrival down here on the South Coast. It is a shame Bournemouth pier is no longer available for her, but this has been the case for many years now as far as I understand from my Dad. I live a 20 minute walk from the pier so would be down to see and photograph her in a flash if she was down near the beach!
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #39 on: Sep 11, 2018, 08:45 AM »
I don't believe that jeanie Deans / Queen of the South went anywhere near Bournemouth. However, Bournemouth was a busy paddle steamer pier up until the early 60s with Cosens & Co running a substantial fleet

Their last paddler was PS Embassy whose last season was 1966

http://paddlesteamers.info/EmbassyDuchessofNorfolk.htm

Waverley is currently at Southampton but winds and high seas are playing havoc with her programme. Saturday was badly curtailed, Sunday cancelled. Monday was an off day. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is also cancelled
Regrettably, Bournemouth pier is no longer available for Waverley to call at - a major traffic source now off the radar, no doubt for good

Thanks Tramscape - wasn't sure where Jeanie sailed to (when she actually sailed) when she went south.

Did Bournemouth fall into disrepair or was it just closed to traffic?

Gav

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #40 on: Sep 11, 2018, 10:44 PM »
No,I think Bournemouth Pier has been open ever since ..... there have been lots of smaller excursion boats operating over the years

It was closed to Waverley from last year on account of structural issues but has always been a thriving tourist attraction in the leisure sense of being a pier with lots of seaside entertainment

The latest attraction appears to have been a zip-wire and some have said that this would now get in the way of it ever reopening for a ship such as Waverley !

It also needs dredging. There is lots of sand in Bournemouth, which drifts and accumulates. Latterly Waverley had to miss calls on occasion depending on the state of the tide ...... and the state of the sea. If there was a reasonable swell, there was a big danger of her hitting bottom unless it was near high tide

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #41 on: Sep 12, 2018, 07:48 AM »
No,I think Bournemouth Pier has been open ever since ..... there have been lots of smaller excursion boats operating over the years

It was closed to Waverley from last year on account of structural issues but has always been a thriving tourist attraction in the leisure sense of being a pier with lots of seaside entertainment

The latest attraction appears to have been a zip-wire and some have said that this would now get in the way of it ever reopening for a ship such as Waverley !

It also needs dredging. There is lots of sand in Bournemouth, which drifts and accumulates. Latterly Waverley had to miss calls on occasion depending on the state of the tide ...... and the state of the sea. If there was a reasonable swell, there was a big danger of her hitting bottom unless it was near high tide

My Dad was telling me that Bournemouth Pier used to have a jetty extension which ships of a similar size to Waverley used when he was a child so they could "dock" in Bournemouth more easily. This jetty is no longer there and hasn't been for decades now.

Since moving down to Bournemouth in 2011 we have never seen Waverley or a similar size ship go to the end of the pier as it is very shallow as you've mentioned (people swimming can still stand up a fair way out from the beach) - but we may have missed the times Waverley was there. We also used to holiday in Bournemouth when I was a young child (before going to school, so around the Millennium) and don't recall seeing the likes of Waverley near the pier but again may have missed her (somehow!). Smaller pleasure boats do still use the end of the pier however as you've also mentioned, as the one doing tours around the anchored HMS Diamond, at the air show this year, did.

It is a bit disconcerting that the end of the pier is still open given such structural issues. I have photos and videos I took from the end of the pier which show that the wooden structure has seen better days, but I thought that was more of a cosmetic problem! If Waverley does start visiting again that would be wonderful!
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #42 on: Sep 13, 2018, 02:18 PM »
Waverley would sail from Bournemouth on about half her days whilst on her two week or so stint in September

I don't know for sure but I had the feeling she used one of the sides of the pier

Online Peter Mugridge

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 3627
  • Total likes: 3481
  • At Mach 2 three days after being on QE2...
"It is a capital mistake to allow any mechanical object to realise that you are in a hurry!"

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #44 on: Sep 14, 2018, 10:38 PM »
She did...

https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=662&ei=YdaaW7arBc2RkwWAiqmwDg&q=waverley+bournemouth&oq=waverley+bournemouth&gs_l=img.3...1039.5335.0.5599.21.11.0.10.10.0.103.608.8j2.10.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..1.11.610.0..0j35i39k1.0.3i2QFABflyQ

Thank you for confirming Peter. I am kicking myself as we were not aware of her still visiting the pier as late as 2016 from what I can see when quickly looking through the image search results. Maybe the zip line does affect things now or a lack of dredging? A shame if these things do. Having said that she may still be using the pier after all so I will keep a lookout after all! A wonderful vessel and photo opportunity too good to miss - she should be around about now (although she was in Southampton earlier today and seems to be docking there in the last few days)!
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Online Peter Mugridge

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 3627
  • Total likes: 3481
  • At Mach 2 three days after being on QE2...
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #45 on: Sep 14, 2018, 11:20 PM »
Check carefully - sometimes online the dates shown are the dates the pictures were uploaded rather than when taken; unless the caption actually states it was taken on a date in 2016 then a pinch of salt may be required.
"It is a capital mistake to allow any mechanical object to realise that you are in a hurry!"

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #46 on: Sep 16, 2018, 10:03 PM »
Don't look out for Waverley - unless you have a powerful telescope

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #47 on: Sep 18, 2018, 01:07 PM »
Her South Coast progamme has been marred by cancellations due to high winds etc.

Hoping the Thames can go some way to recouping lost revenues and that she gets back home to The Clyde in timeous fashion and doesn't get marooned on the South Coast as happened a few years back.

Gav

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #48 on: Sep 18, 2018, 09:34 PM »
Her South Coast progamme has been marred by cancellations due to high winds etc.

Hoping the Thames can go some way to recouping lost revenues and that she gets back home to The Clyde in timeous fashion and doesn't get marooned on the South Coast as happened a few years back.

Gav


"Marooned" on the South Coast  :P  ;) . We would like to have her around for a bit, to have a successful season, and keep Shieldhall company - jokes aside!
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #49 on: Sep 19, 2018, 08:40 AM »

"Marooned" on the South Coast  :P  ;) . We would like to have her around for a bit, to have a successful season, and keep Shieldhall company - jokes aside!

Well you never know - the way the weather can be in this country!!!

I think it was 2015 her return to her Clyde base was delayed until early December due to weather.

On the subject of her South Coast sailings - here is an interesting article on her first sojourn south in 1978:

Waverley's First Venture South 1978

I have digitised cine footage of her arriving at Tower Pier, River Thames for the first time in 1978 - I will dig it out and post!

Gav
« Last Edit: Sep 19, 2018, 08:43 AM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline Lynda Bradford

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #50 on: Sep 19, 2018, 07:53 PM »
Gav, thanks for sharing the link to this article that gives such a lot of historical information of PS first visit to the Southern coast.  It is fantastic that PS Waverley was so popular on her first visit south and has continued to create interest.  I see there is mention of the PS Jeannie Dean (PS Queen of the South) had been withdrawn in 1967.  I remember sailing on this paddle steamer in the late 1950's from Dunoon to Rothesay.  Happy memories!
I was proud to be involved with planning QE2's 50 year conference in September 2017 in Clydebank

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #51 on: Oct 03, 2018, 03:01 PM »
As Waverley approaches the final weekend of her Thames sailing programme for 2018 now is as good a time as any to post a photo of surely the most unique feature of her visits to the Pool of London - the opening of Tower Bridge.

There is of course a connection with the Clyde within the bridge itself.
The metal superstructure was built by famous Scottish company William Arrol & Co - famous for the Forth and Tay Rail Bridges , the gantry built at H&W Belfast under which the Olympic Class liners Olympic, Titanic and Britannic were built and numerous Titan Cranes on the Clyde and around the world.

Arrol were one of eight contractors involved in the bridge's construction. Which was completed in 1894.

Sir William Arrol - Tower Bridge (be aware some of the information on this wordpress site is incorrect but is interesting nonetheless)

I have sailed on Waverley on the Thames - sailed through the bridge to and from The Pool of London and also stood on the viewing areas underneath the bascules of the bridge itself as the paddler sails through blowing her steam whistle to cheers from the crowds who always assemble to see what is sailing through - tourists are fascinated about her as there is nothing like her left sailing in the world.

I never fail to feel very very proud that a wee paddle steamer built to sail in the upper Firth of Clyde with the name Glasgow proudly painted on her cruiser stern can stop the City of London in her tracks!!!

Clydebuilt and Proud

Gav

Photo from Facebook page The Liquid Highway

« Last Edit: Oct 04, 2018, 04:13 PM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline No 736

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #52 on: Oct 04, 2018, 12:04 AM »
Proud indeed.

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #53 on: Oct 04, 2018, 02:56 PM »
Awesome !   :)
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #54 on: Oct 10, 2018, 08:00 AM »
Well folks that's Waverley's 2018 season finished.

Waverley Excursions announced yesterday that this weekend's sailings are cancelled as the vessel will not be able to reposition to the Clyde in time due to weather and sea conditions. There are "big seas" forecast in the Irish Sea in the next few days and of course there is the matter of getting round Lands End and into the Irish Sea first!

She is currently in Weymouth where she arrived on Monday at 1400.

Lets hope this isn't a repeat of a few years back when she arrived in Weymouth and stayed there for a couple of weeks but then had to return to Soton (Weymouth needed her berth) and lay dead ship for a time until a fresh crew and master arrived to take her back to the Clyde - she arrived back at the end of November that year looking slightly worse for wear!

Hoping a weather window opens soon and ship and crew get back to base safely. Also hoping there are no following seas as this stresses the wheels and gives the engineers headaches (literally) with the banging and thumping as the waves rebound off the floats.

Feeling as I do about that wee ship I prefer to see her and crew safe and sound. Cancelled sailings are a disappointment but safety is paramount.
The Thames to the Clyde is the longest positioning run she undertakes during a season and longer it takes the further into winter we get hence conditions become even less favourable.

So Godspeed to you and your crew old girl - hope to see you back home soon.

Gav
« Last Edit: Oct 10, 2018, 08:38 AM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #55 on: Oct 10, 2018, 08:29 AM »
Well folks that's Waverley's 2018 season finished.

Waverley Excursions announced yesterday that this weekend's sailings are cancelled as the vessel would not be able to reposition to the Clyde due to weather and sea conditions. There are "big seas" forecast in the Irish Sea in the next few days and of course there is the matter of getting round Lands End and into the Irish Sea first!

She is currently in Weymouth where she arrived on Monday at 1400.

Lets hope this isn't a repeat of a few years back when she arrived in Weymouth and stayed there for a couple of weeks but then had to return to Soton (Weymouth needed her berth) and lay dead ship for a time until a fresh crew and master arrived to take her back to the Clyde - she arrived back at the start of December that year looking slightly worse for wear!

Hoping a weather window opens soon and ship and crew get back to base safely. Also hoping there are no following seas as this stresses the wheels and gives the engineers headaches (literally) with the banging and thumping as the waves rebound off the floats.

Feeling as I do about that wee ship I prefer to see her and crew safe and sound. The Thames to the Clyde is the longest positioning run she undertakes during a season and longer it takes the further into winter we get hence conditions become even less favourable.

So Godspeed to you and your crew old girl - hope to see you back home soon.

Gav

Sad the rest of the sailings down here have been cancelled but Mother Nature holds the ultimate power and say. If she gets "stuck" down here I may see her in Southampton when meeting up with friends this coming Monday (senses a good photo opportunity despite the unfortunate nature of her being there if that happens).
« Last Edit: Oct 10, 2018, 08:31 AM by Thomas Hypher »
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #56 on: Oct 10, 2018, 08:34 AM »
Hi Thomas,

I don't know how long the harbour master at Weymouth will allow her to remain on that berth - especially if the weather may worsen so assuming she doesn't get away in the next few days you never know!

She was in good company last time as she was berthed very close to another Clydebuilt ship ss Shieldhall. Apparently the security on that berth very kindly kept an eye on her while she was shut down.

It was 2014 she was heavily delayed - not returning to her Glasgow berth until 23rd November.

Arrival photos here: 2014 Delayed Return

Gav
« Last Edit: Oct 10, 2018, 08:39 AM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #57 on: Oct 10, 2018, 08:48 AM »
Thanks for the update Gavin.

That's a shame, I was looking forward to my first and last trip of this year. I'm finding it very difficult to get aboard nowadays, and have only made it on for 2 hours in the past 5 years.  The fact that I refuse to travel on her on a Saturday on the Clyde doesn't help!

How long stuck would she need to be before the profits from the south season were cancelled out?  Or is the risk more that she just stops trying to return North at all...

Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #58 on: Oct 10, 2018, 08:53 AM »
Hi Thomas,

I don't know how long the harbour master at Weymouth will allow her to remain on that berth - especially if the weather may worsen so assuming she doesn't get away in the next few days you never know!

She was in good company last time as she was berthed very close to another Clydebuilt ship ss Shieldhall. Apparently the security on that berth very kindly kept an eye on her while she was shut down.

It was 2014 she was heavily delayed - not returning to her Glasgow berth until 23rd November.

Arrival photos here: 2014 Delayed Return

Gav

And she'll be near the current Ocean Terminal, not to mention the troubled Calshot too. Town Quay (near the current Red Funnel Terminal) is quite the vantage point in this case.
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #59 on: Oct 11, 2018, 03:25 PM »
She's moved to Southampton this morning

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #60 on: Oct 12, 2018, 08:52 AM »
Thanks for the update Gavin.

That's a shame, I was looking forward to my first and last trip of this year. I'm finding it very difficult to get aboard nowadays, and have only made it on for 2 hours in the past 5 years.  The fact that I refuse to travel on her on a Saturday on the Clyde doesn't help!

How long stuck would she need to be before the profits from the south season were cancelled out?  Or is the risk more that she just stops trying to return North at all...

Hi Rob,

The Thames sailings looked busy in any photos I saw however not sure about her South Coast sailings. As Tramscape says she repositioned to Soton as of yesterday AM - I don't know if that was due to the harbourmaster at Weymouth not wanting her on that berth with the weather closing in or he wanted to charge her dues!! Perhaps the berth at Soton is either cheaper or indeed free.

Her crew wont be due to pay off until Monday earliest so I guess barring berthing dues she will be practically cost neutral as the boilers will be in pier mode which means they will burn a lot less fuel. I guess the main losses are not being able to undertake her sailings this weekend although the weather forecast would've probably put the lid on those anyway.

I really hope she gets a chance to go for it before there are crewing issues as there were in 2014.

She'll get back home at some point as she cant stay down south indefinitely - theres a winter refit to start!!!

But as always crew and ship safety are paramount.

Gav
« Last Edit: Oct 12, 2018, 08:55 AM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #61 on: Oct 15, 2018, 10:39 PM »
Some of my photos of Waverley in Southampton late this afternoon:

Southampton Cruise Ship departures on 15/10/2018 by Thomas Hypher, on Flickr

Southampton Cruise Ship departures on 15/10/2018 by Thomas Hypher, on Flickr

Southampton Cruise Ship departures on 15/10/2018 by Thomas Hypher, on Flickr

The crew still seem to be onboard as she isn't dead ship due to her own deck lights being on.
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Isabelle Prondzynski

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #62 on: Oct 16, 2018, 12:26 AM »
Fabulous pictures, Thomas! You got great angles there.

And what a beautiful little ship she is -- I hope I'll get the chance to meet her in person one day...

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #63 on: Oct 16, 2018, 08:33 AM »
Excellent shots Thomas,

No news yet as to when the weather window may open long enough for her to get away.

The longer she remains in Soton the more likely that she will require to be de-manned as per 2014 as the crew will be due to pay off. Most of them are seasonal and therefore have winter jobs on other ships (or indeed go back to uni in the case of some of the catering ratings)

In that case a new skeleton crew will be required to take her home when conditions allow.

At least she is safe where she is for now so that's the most important thing.

Gav





Offline Bruce Nicholls

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #64 on: Oct 16, 2018, 10:11 AM »
I would guess from looking at the Met Office forecasts that they are going to be pushed to find a window when they will have acceptable weather for the whole distance. When its good in the south it's bad up north and visa versa. If I were panning to do the trip I would aim for halfway using a southern fair weather window and wait there for improved conditions in the north. Safe havens are a problem with a larger vessel but surely somewhere like Milford Haven or Holyhead are good halfway points?

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #65 on: Oct 16, 2018, 10:26 AM »
HI Bruce,

She went back via Ilfracombe when this last happened in 2014. I think she took bunkers at that point also as having to return to Soton from Weymouth would've burned up fuel they hadn't anticipated.

Imagine something similar will happen this time.

All will become clear at some point soon I hope.

I just pray that there isn't a following sea - bad for wheels and engineer's heads!!!

Gav
« Last Edit: Oct 16, 2018, 01:06 PM by Clydebuilt1971 »

Offline Thomas Hypher

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 2879
  • Total likes: 5605
  • QE2 started a dream to go to sea - now a reality!
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #66 on: Oct 16, 2018, 12:48 PM »
Fabulous pictures, Thomas! You got great angles there.

And what a beautiful little ship she is -- I hope I'll get the chance to meet her in person one day...

Town Quay is a great vantage point for the Ocean Terminal area!

I would love to go onboard Waverley someday.
First sailed on QE2 in August 2003 aged 6 years old. Last sailed on QE2 in July 2008. Last saw the seagoing QE2 in person from the decks of QM2, on QE2's last Transatlantic crossing (Eastbound tandem) in October 2008. Visited QE2 in her new life, in Dubai, in January 2020 and August 2022.

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #67 on: Oct 18, 2018, 12:30 PM »
I've heard that Waverley is due to depart Soton at 4pm today.

Heres hoping she gets a good run back to Glasgow.

Gav

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #68 on: Oct 18, 2018, 01:45 PM »
I've heard that Waverley is due to depart Soton at 4pm today.

Heres hoping she gets a good run back to Glasgow.

Gav

Fair seas to her, I will be following with interest!
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #69 on: Oct 18, 2018, 03:50 PM »
Wonderful photos, Thomas !  Thanks for sharing.  Waverley is indeed a proud little ship ! She is holding her own next to the big girl !  :)
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #70 on: Oct 18, 2018, 04:10 PM »
She's on her way and the photos are streaming in on facebook

I always think of Waverley as being quite a big ship !

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #71 on: Oct 18, 2018, 04:43 PM »
She's on her way and the photos are streaming in on facebook

I always think of Waverley as being quite a big ship !

Watching her on my MarineTraffic app !
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #72 on: Oct 18, 2018, 06:39 PM »
Nearly 14 knots!
Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Online Rob Lightbody

  • Administrator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 12375
  • Total likes: 15954
  • Helping to Keep The Legend Alive
    • Rob Lightbody dot com
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #73 on: Oct 21, 2018, 10:19 AM »
Waverley made it back to the Clyde, and to her berth at the Science Centre next to Queen Mary, in amazingly quick time.  Each time I looked on Marine Tracker, she was doing around 14 knots.  Must feel like quite an adventure to be on board for a trip like that - going so, so much further than she was built to, with the deadlights fitted and no passengers.


Passionate about QE2's service life for 40 years and creator of this website.  I have worked in IT for 28 years and created my personal QE2 website in 1994.

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #74 on: Oct 21, 2018, 11:03 AM »
Rob, she usually cruises at a bit above 14 knots - 14.5 being about standard

Don't know about the crew - but I would be petrified on a trip like that !
« Last Edit: Oct 21, 2018, 11:07 AM by tramscape »

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #75 on: Oct 22, 2018, 04:20 PM »
Way to go, Waverley !!   :)
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline Rod

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #76 on: Oct 22, 2018, 10:56 PM »
I still find it amazing and gratifying that people still wish to preserve something like the Waverly.
God give them more powers, and money please!

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #77 on: Oct 23, 2018, 07:46 AM »
I still find it amazing and gratifying that people still wish to preserve something like the Waverly.
God give them more powers, and money please!

As I always say Rod - There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.

Waverley is proof of that IMHO :)

Gav

Offline Bruce Nicholls

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #78 on: Oct 25, 2018, 02:59 PM »
A real pity that licencing does not allow passengers for such trips as this would cover the costs or even make a profit.

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #79 on: Oct 25, 2018, 03:33 PM »
Licensing gets in the way of many things that would not only be profitable but also fun.
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #80 on: Oct 25, 2018, 11:32 PM »
Hmmnn....

I'm not sure that 48 hours continuously aboard Waverley would be any fun at all !

There would be very few takers

Offline Twynkle

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #81 on: Oct 26, 2018, 02:34 PM »
Rob, she usually cruises at a bit above 14 knots - 14.5 being about standard

Don't know about the crew - but I would be petrified on a trip like that !

I'd pay to do it!!
And...the longer the trip the better :)

Daresay they were relieved not to be sailing into the Northerlies forecast for the weekend.
As a matter of interest, when she's not stopping off - how many crew would have been required - Master, Cook - and how many other hands...?
(Have a good friend who used to crew on board, forgot to ask!)
« Last Edit: Oct 26, 2018, 02:39 PM by Twynkle »

Offline Bruce Nicholls

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #82 on: Oct 31, 2018, 11:33 AM »
I'd pay to do it!!
And...the longer the trip the better :)
Me too!

Offline June Ingram

  • Global Moderator
  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 9623
  • Total likes: 6557
  • Beautiful, elegant QE2 - forever Queen of the Seas
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #83 on: Oct 31, 2018, 02:00 PM »
Sign me on !  I would be the first one in line to go !   :)
QE2 - the ship for all of time, a ship of timeless beauty !

Offline No 736

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #84 on: Oct 31, 2018, 05:54 PM »
That's at least 3 of us then.

Online Peter Mugridge

  • Queens Grill Diner
  • *****
  • Posts: 3627
  • Total likes: 3481
  • At Mach 2 three days after being on QE2...
Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #85 on: Oct 31, 2018, 09:34 PM »
Make that four, depending on dates and costs...
"It is a capital mistake to allow any mechanical object to realise that you are in a hurry!"

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #86 on: Dec 18, 2018, 01:08 PM »
Looks like there are significant changes afoot with regards to the running of the ship moving forward.

Even though the statement is from Waverley Steam Navigation Company (the company formed in 1974 to own the ship on behalf of the PSPS) I have heard that these happenings have come about as a result of PSPS meetings held recently.

If they see this through then kudos to the PSPS for finally taking more of a hand in the operation of their ship!

Gav

Statement from Waverley Steam Navigation Company

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #87 on: Dec 18, 2018, 08:23 PM »
Well, if this is true (the reason, I mean), then it was quick work. I only made the plea one month ago at the PSPS AGM  (see the minutes of the AGM published on the PSPS website....) !!

I wait with bated breath to see what changes actually take place apart from the announced changes to senior personnel. I of course had things to say about policy at AGM too .... but it certainly did not necessarily require  the measures just announced. It seems they must have been deemed necessary though
« Last Edit: Dec 18, 2018, 08:33 PM by tramscape »

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #88 on: Dec 19, 2018, 07:58 AM »
According to a post I've read on Facebook Companies House indicates a fair number or resignations from Waverley Steam Navigation Company but nothing as yet from Waverley Excursions.

We look on with interest......

Gav

Offline tramscape

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #89 on: Dec 19, 2018, 11:48 AM »
The five directors mentioned are directors of both companies. You will see, when you check back in, the speculation about why filings in respect of WEL might not have been made so far
« Last Edit: Dec 19, 2018, 12:01 PM by tramscape »

Offline Clydebuilt1971

Re: Waverley Updates - 2018
« Reply #90 on: Dec 19, 2018, 12:24 PM »
Always thought serving on both boards was a conflict of interest at best.

I wonder what will happen next.