Waverley’s 2025-26 winter refit is now well underway with routine inspection and maintenance work being carried out as well as several essential investment projects planned to take place.
This includes replacing the fire sprinkler system and renewal of the port paddlebox spring beam. The cost of these essential works alone is over £500,000 which is being funded by both the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and Waverley’s owning charity. The complete winter refit will now exceed £1.5 million.
Unfortunately, following an end of season inspection it was discovered that both masts and the majority of the Dining Saloon windows are in a poor condition. The decision has therefore been made to commit to replacing the masts and windows prior to the 2026 season.
Replacing the timber masts and window frames will help retain the authentic character of Waverley. To meet the cost of these works £135,000 needs to be raised to allow the work to proceed by March 2026.
We are appealing to supporters and those who have sailed on Waverley and who value her ongoing preservation to help raise £135,000 for new masts and windows.
WHY IS THIS WORK NEEDED NOW?
Dining Saloon Windows
The 14 hopper-style wooden windows were installed in 1995 and have stood up well to 30 years of salt spray from the paddles. Water ingress over this time has now caused the wood to rot and split where the hinges are fitted. Repairs have been made in recent years but these have only been a temporary solution.
One window frame was badly damaged and was replaced in 2023 but 13 further hopper windows are now in need of urgent renewal. Replacing them will preserve Waverley’s appearance and unique character, and protect the ship’s hull from salt water ingress in the years ahead.
Waverley’s Masts
Waverley’s masts define her stunning silhouette. Throughout the summer sailing seasons her name pennant is flown from the fore mast while the Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. house flag is proudly flown from the main mast. On special sailings or anniversaries bunting is put up from the masts creating a real sense of occasion.
The fore mast towers above the steamer at around 17m in length. This was fitted in 2003 during Phase 2 of the Heritage Rebuild and is now showing several deep cracks. The main mast at around 14m was last replaced in 2016 but has unfortunately started to rot with the upper 2.5m section currently removed.
Work is underway to locate suitable trees to replace both masts before the start of the 2026 season. It is expected that over £50,000 will be required to replace both masts.
“Essentially many parts of Waverley could be replaced with more modern materials and fittings which may last longer, but collectively that would change the look and feel of the ship.
Preserving Waverley in my mind is about maintaining her as far as is possible as she was intended to be. We are preserving her truly unique character.
As the world continuously changes around Waverley she becomes even more special as she represents a moment in time when she was first designed and built.”
Paul Semple, General Manager Waverley Excursions Limited
THE AUTHENTIC PRESERVATION OF WAVERLEY
Throughout Waverley’s preservation career many refurbishments and improvements have been made. With some works it has not always been possible, for a variety of good reasons, to fully preserving the original 1947 character of the ship.
Waverley’s owning charity is fully committed to preserving, where possible, her original style, but this is rarely the most cost efficient route. We are therefore appealing to supporters to assist with meeting the cost of new timber masts and Dining Saloon windows.
All donations, large or small, are most welcome towards the Masts & Windows Winter Appeal. Your donation will help prepare Waverley for the 2026 season as we mark the 80th Anniversary since her launch.
RECOGNITION OF DONATIONS
We’re pleased to recognise every donor who supports the Masts & Windows Winter Appeal with special acknowledgements and an exclusive gift.
- All donations no matter the value can be acknowledged on the Virtual Donor Wall on the Waverley Excursions website.
- Donate by 1st March 2026 to automatically enter our Donors Draw for the chance to win the opportunity to visit Waverley during her winter refit, win a 2026 Sailing Pass, a family ticket or invite to cruise and visit the Bridge.
- Donate at least £100 to receive a specially produced LNER styled A4 poster just for those who donate to the Masts & Windows Winter Appeal.
- Donate £250 or more to be given an invitation for a cruise in 2026 and receive a small section of mast removed from Waverley as a keepsake.
To donate using a debit or credit card, please click on the red button below. We pay commission on donations using this route, but you can avoid this cost by using bank transfer.
Please add Gift Aid to further increase your donation by 25%. For every £1 you donate, we can claim an additional 25p from the taxman.
To pay by bank transfer please use these details: Co-operative Bank Sort Code 08-90-34 Account 50629826 in the name of PADDLE STEAMER PRESERVATION SOCIETY. In order for us to claim Gift Aid, please email your name, membership number or postal address and the date and amount of payment to treasurer@paddlesteamers.org
