Balmoral – Soon To Cast Off………..

Great News for PSPS members and all lovers of coastal cruising is that preparations are now well underway for MV Balmoral to at last leave her berth in Bristol City Docks. The plan is that she will sail under her own steam (or diesel power) under Brunel’s famous bridge down the majestic River Avon and into the River Severn, bound for the Sharpness Dry Dock. She is booked in for at least 5 days in April.

Here she will undergo her equivalent of an “MOT Test”. We are optimistic that she is still in “reasonable condition” but this is a 5 yearly survey and expensive work will still be required. One of the major items here being extensive “ultrasonic tests” carried out on her entire hull. Just getting her to Sharpness and dry docking costs will be in the region of £50,000! Thanks to wonderful donations and pledges already received we are able to commit to this amount of work. We have of course to behave in a financially diligent manner, not at any time committing to costs we cannot fully meet.

But we already know that some re-plating will be needed and some other things may come to light at dry docking. If we were able to pay for these while Balmoral is actually in dry dock it will save a huge amount of money. The cost of a second dry-docking to carry out these repairs before the August MCA deadline for re-certification could put the whole project in jeopardy. The bank balance of today will go some way towards the repair bill but isn’t enough. We need to raise at least another £30,000 by early April.

That is why your support is probably more vital now than at any time before. If we raise this money now today – it could prove our financial lifeline! Literally every penny counts and your generous financial donation could be the one that ensures Balmoral sails from a port or pier near you in 2015 – that is the dream. Even after the ship is fully ready for sea there will still be big financial and other challenges to overcome – but we have a clear plan and our dream really can (with your help) come true! We are as you would expect going out with a national appeal. We have to explore every fundraising route to ensure that this famous old classic ship cruises the UK coastline next year. If we succeed all around the UK will have the opportunity to sail our wonderful coastal waters aboard this much loved vessel once again.

To make a donation and for the very latest news please go to the DONATE page on the MV Balmoral Website. Here you can also download (print off) a donation form. The good old fashioned cheque is still fine by us – made payable to MV Balmoral Fund Ltd please. (Other donation payment methods are being progressed.)

Postal address for all donations is;
MV Balmoral Fund Ltd, C/O 23 Adder Hill, Great Broughton, Chester, CH3 5RA
We really need you now – thank you so much for your support.

[signature name=”Paul Doubler” role=”Balmoral Communications”]