PSPS General Meeting – On Nov 15th about 70 members packed into Waverley’s dining saloon to approve increased Society subscriptions and receive a report on the operation of the steamer in 1975. The vessel had, with one or two exceptions a highly successful season and members expressed their admiration and thanks to the directors of WSN for their enthusiasm and hard work.

Waverley record of 1975 – Extracts from the Captain’s log provided a graphic day to day illustration of the first operational season in the colours of WSN – a tribute to Waverley’s officers, crew, and directors.

Compiler’s note: Most days were “Normal Schedule” and these extracts highlight the difficulties that were overcome.

Kingswear Castle open day – About 65 members and guests came aboard Kingswear Castle for the Society’s Open Day on September 27th. At 3pm all work stopped as workers and visitors enjoyed a superb buffet tea. A small sales stand and donations raised a total of £18 for the KC fund.

New Queen of the Mississippi – Mississippi Queen is America’s newest paddlewheel steamboat, and is set to make her maiden voyage from Cincinnati in 1976. The design and planning required more than six years. She is the first overnight passenger steamboat to be built since the Delta Queen in 1926. Practically every design and propulsion method was considered, but finally a steampowered stern paddlewheeler of traditional design was chosen as most efficient and practical. The new vessel is 379ft. long, 8ft. draft, has a passenger capacity of over 400 and a gross tonnage of 4500 tons. The paddlewheel will be turned by a horizontal, tandem compound condensing steam engine similar to those used aboard the last steam towboats. Modern automated oil-fired steam generators developing 390psi will be used – a far cry from the wood burning boilers of the steam packet days. The new boat is not a replacement for the Delta Queen and Delta Queen is not retiring.