Waverley Charters 2014
In 2014 the Scottish Branch has arranged to charter Waverley on two occasions. The first charter will be the Branch’s annual fundraising cruise which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 26th June. Waverley will sail from Largs at 1830 calling at Millport at 1900 before sailing through the famous Kyles of Bute for an evening sunset cruise. After the success of the evening charter in 2013 it is hoped that a similar number of passengers can be tempted aboard.
The second charter is a full day charter to mark the 40th anniversary of the sale of Waverley to the Society on 8th August 1974. Indeed it was the Scottish Branch that was offered the ship through the great effort and support shown towards Waverley by the Branch since its formation in 1969. In particular Douglas McGowan had worked closely with CalMac in 1973 and it was Douglas who got a phone call to attend at meeting at the CalMac head office to be told that Waverley would be offered for preservation.
Sold! Douglas McGowan passes the pound note that bought Waverley to Colonel Sir Patrick Thomas, Chairman of the Scottish Transport Group, on 8th August 1974 as Terry Sylvester (left) and John Whittle (right) look on.
In recognition of the “sale” of Waverley the Scottish Branch of the PSPS and the Clyde River Steamer Club (CRSC www.crsc.org.uk) are jointly chartering Waverley on Friday 8th August 2014. The cruise is also being supported by the Coastal Cruising Association (CCA www.cruisingmonthly.co.uk) who will help provide publicity materials to promote the cruise. Waverley Excursions Ltd have done us proud and offered a very competitive charter fee in recognition of the occasion. The timetable is as follows:
| Greenock | 1030 |
| Largs | 1150 |
| Ardrossan | 1250 |
| Lochranza | 1420 |
| Cruise Round Inchmarnock Island | |
| Lochranza | 1650 |
| Ardrossan | 1820 |
| Largs | 1920 |
| Greenock | 2040 |
This will be Waverley’s first scheduled call at Ardrossan since 2008 when she offered an evening cruise on charter to The Vine Trust. Her previous day cruise from Ardrossan was in 1985. In her early preservation career Ardrossan was a regular calling point on the weekly Clyde timetable. Gordon Wilson has kindly provided the following pictures taken during the early 80’s of Waverley at Ardrossan.
Waverley arrives at Ardrossan – 1984.
Waverley backs out of Ardrossan Harbour during a blustery day in 1982.
Further details about the special sailing to mark the sale of Waverley for £1 will be posted in due course.
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