Almost 2,000 individuals have now donated to Waverley’s Dry Dock 2023 Appeal taking the total raised to date to £150,000. This is a fantastic response since the Appeal was launched in late-January and we are exceptionally grateful to everyone that has contributed. We would though welcome further donations to help meet the £180,000 target so we can afford the costs of recommissioning Waverley for the 2023 season. You can donate online or by calling our office on 0141 243 2224.

Given the level of response to the Appeal, Waverley will move to dry dock in a few weeks time. While in dry dock this year the starboard spring beam will be replaced. This is a major task as the side belting and part of the paddlebox fascia has to be removed to gain access. In addition part of the paddle wheel has to be detached.

Following dry docking Waverley will move to the James Watt Dock for completion of works before returning to Glasgow where some final refit and maintenance tasks will be completed ahead of the crew joining in early May. The first passenger sailing is set for Friday May 19 with a sailing from Glasgow, Greenock, Dunoon, Rothesay and Tighnabruaich to cruise the Bute Coast and round Inchmarnock.

The opening weekend of sailings (May 19 – May 22) will take place from Glasgow and around the Clyde Coast before she sets course for Oban and the Inner Hebrides on Tuesday May 23. In a first for Waverley she is due to cruise up West Loch Tarbert to call at Kennacraig. Highlights of the Oban & the Inner Hebrides sailings include an early evening cruise under the Skye Bridge and into Loch Kishorn and Loch Cannon on Wednesday May 24, a cruise of Loch Duich with views of Eilean Donan Castle on Friday May 26 and an evening sunset cruise round Lismore on Sunday May 28. On Bank Holiday Monday May 29 Waverley will venture all the way from Oban to Armadale and then to the remote village of Inverie – always a favourite destination with Waverley fans.

Bookings for the 2023 season will open shortly. Meanwhile 2023 Sailing Tickets can be purchased until 31st March and make for the ideal gift for friends or family. Sailing Tickets offer a saving against many of our standard fares. Each 2023 Sailing Ticket costs just £45 and can be exchanged for a ticket on any public sailing in 2023. Order today from our online shop.