Supporting the preservation and operation of paddle steamers Waverley and Kingswear Castle
The Lake Geneva diesel electric paddler Helvetie was towed from Lausanne to Geneva by the Leman on 7th November 2022 to free up a berth in the Ouchy shipyard for the newly built Navibus which is nearing completion in the yard. After relatively little use in the previous decade, and in need of a major…
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It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of Myra Allen on 2 December 2022, after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
KC and Waverley as well as other vessels featured in recent episodes of the Stormy Weather series on Times Radio. To tune in and hear the programme again click here: https://shows.acast.com/belle-books-and-stories/episodes/stormy-weather-kingswear-castle
Derek Gawn has sent in some more fascinating and unique pics of KC in her Isle of Wight years when she was in company with Medway Queen and Ryde. Take a look: 11th November 2022: KC 1969/70 Update – Kingswear Castle
Pining for a paddle steamer trip? Suffering from withdrawal symptoms as the long winter nights draw in because you can’t get aboard a paddle steamer? Can’t wait ’till next summer? Then help is at hand. Take yourself off to Dr Switzerland where no less than two paddlers are scheduled to be in service on Lake…
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Tune in on Friday 4th November from 8.30pm for a feature about KC on the Michael Portillo Show on Times Radio
Derek Gawn has sent in some fascinating pictures he took as a schoolboy in 1969 of KC making one of her very few trips under her own steam during her time on the Isle of Wight. For more pictures and other details check out the Kingswear Castle website: 11th November 2022: KC 1969/70 Update –…
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For an update on KC’s rebuild and to see all the excellent work being done in Dartmouth to give our ship an extended life check out the latest news on the KC website October 2022: KC Rebuild Update – Kingswear Castle
Chris Smith, who has died of a heart attack aged 60, played a central role in the return to service of KC in the 1980s and her subsequent operation and continued restoration on the Medway during the ensuing years for more than a quarter of a century. For more details check out the KC website:…
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The society’s activities in and the financial results for 2021 are now available to download. These will be considered by our AGM on 22 October 2022, details of which may be found here. We apologise that the link published in Paddle Wheels is incorrect. Review of the Year2021 was severely disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic,…
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Click on the link to see a tribute to the Queen from Kingswear Castle: The Queen – Kingswear Castle
Waverley returned to Swanage for the first time in four years around 12.30pm on Sunday 4th September during a cruise from Southampton and Yarmouth to view the Bournemouth Air Show. For more pics of this happy event check out a feature on the Kingswear Castle website: Waverley Returns To Swanage – Kingswear Castle
There are still some tickets available for the Rebuild Fund Raising Cruise aboard Dart Explorer on Saturday 13th August. For more details or to make a donation check out the Kingswear Castle website: KC Rebuild Fund Raising Cruise – Kingswear Castle
The SGV Company has appointed its first lady captain. For more details check out the news feature on the Kingswear Castle website: First Lady Paddle Steamer Captain – Kingswear Castle
A recording about paddle steamers for Times Radio was made aboard KC in the shipyard on 14th July. For more details check out the Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust website: 14th July 2022: Recording for Times Radio aboard KC – Kingswear Castle
The plan of campaign for KC’s major rebuild had been to undertake the work over three winters. However so far this winter and spring things have gone so well that a decision has now been taken to keep her in the shipyard over the summer and autumn and continue working on her making use of…
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Work is continuing apace on the first phase of KC’s major rebuild at Dartmouth. Renewal of the hull strake beneath the deck port side aft of the paddle box New plating inside aft saloon port side Scrap steel cut away from the hull and bulkheads Ships are built for a lifespan of about 25 years.…
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The middle weekend of August visit several ports, including Ardrishaig for the first time in 20 years.
Michael Girvan of Skyrise Aerial Media has kindly provided a video and photographic record of Waverley’s arrival in to Ardrishaig after an absence of 20 years.
Waverley will make a rare visit to Ardrishaig on Sunday 15th August.
A summary of Waverley’s 2021 Clyde sailing season so far.
Fund raising cruise for KC’s rebuild.
Hartlepool Borough Council allocates £4 million for the restoration of Wingfield Castle.
KC’s passenger capacity increased in line with the relaxation of Government Covid restrictions.
Waverley’s season is progressing well during a period of very fine weather.
Waverley welcomed her first passengers of the 2021 season aboard on Tuesday June 29 with everyone enjoying the idyllic sailing conditions.
Following the successful completion of Waverley’s sea trails last week, Waverley Excursions has published the Clyde 2021 timetable.
Waverley is currently recruiting crew for the 2021 season.
First day of the 2021 season for Kingswear Castle.
On 13 May 2021 Waverley exited dry dock at Greenock and returned to Pacific Quay, Glasgow after running trials down the Firth of Clyde.
