Waverley’s Spring Sailings 2016
Paddle Steamer Waverley started her 42nd year operating in preservation as her new Senior Master, Captain Ross Cochrane, took her way from Glasgow on Friday 27th May. Waverley spent the first four days of her 2016 season on the Clyde before venturing round the Mull of Kintyre and heading north to Oban. She travelled further north on Wednesday 1st June to call at Armadale on Skye before berthing at Kyle of Lochalsh. While the weather was mainly settled with plenty of sunshine there was some wind which prevented her making all scheduled calls at Portree and Gairloch. On Monday 6th June Waverley returned to Tiree on the day when her new Senior Master celebrated his 30th birthday. The steamer returned safely to Glasgow on Tuesday 7th June where she will remain until the start on her main Clyde season on Saturday 18th June.
The following selection of images record the start Waverley’s 2016 season.
Photographed arriving at Dunoon on her first call of 2016. The recent restoration work carried out on Dunoon Pier is clearly visible from the air.
Waverley berthed at Pacific Quay prior to departure on Sunday 29th May.
Crowds board at Largs under blue skies before Waverley headed for Keppel and Lochranza on Sunday 29th May.
Waverley rests at Lochranza while passengers stream ashore for a short visit.
Waverley moves astern from Inverie on Wednesday 1st June.
Some strong winds were experienced while Waverley was up north as can be seen in this image.
Waverley having passed under the Skye bridge.
Waverley leaves Portree.
Arriving back at Oban on the evening of Friday 3rd June.
Waverley is safely berthed for the night at Oban’s North Pier as the light fades in the far west sky.
Destination fan boards for Saturday 4th June.
Waverley passes Ardnamurchan on Saturday 4th June on as she heads to Armadale.
Departing Armadale to head over to Inverie.
Arriving back at Armadale.
While returning to Oban on Saturday 4th June Waverley’s passengers thoroughly enjoyed the passage through the Sound of Mull, by Oban the sun was setting creating a memorable sunset.
On Sunday 5th June nearly 600 passengers joined Waverley for the popular 4 Lochs and a Whirlpool afternoon cruise.
Clear blue skies and flat calm seas were experienced for most of the afternoon on Sunday 5th June.
A new display board has been installed on the port engine room bulkhead listing those who have contributed to some of the recent appeals.