The Masts & Windows Winter Appeal has topped £75,000 in less than two weeks since the appeal was launched demonstrating the fantastic level of support for Waverley. The Virtual Donor Wall is now well populated on our website and shows the extensive number of individuals who are supporting this appeal.
The appeal was launched on 5th December to raise funds to meet the cost of replacing both of Waverley’s timber masts and thirteen of the Dining Saloon windows. The main mast fractured during the final sailing of the 2025 season and the decision has been taken to also replace the fore mast given it has several cracks developing. Waverley’s current Dining Saloon windows were first installed in 1995 and most are now urgently needing replaced. Replacing the windows involves removing the panelling on the ship’s side, taking out the old frames and carrying out steel repairs before installing the new frames. This work is labour intensive and therefore costly to undertake.
We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Isle Ewe Boats Ltd in collaboration with Johnson & Loftus to produce and oversee the installation of two new masts on Waverley.
Isle Ewe Boats Ltd is a boat yard run by traditional boat builder Alasdair Grant on the island of Isle of Ewe, found just off the west coast of Scottish Highlands in Loch Ewe. They specialise in traditional new builds, replicas and have extensive experience of producing masts.
Isle Ewe Boats commented “We are delighted to get to contribute to the upkeep of Waverley. A remarkably ship that always makes the effort to visit the Highlands, so it will be great to assist in keeping her in her usual top condition for summer sailings to come.”
Meanwhile other winter refit work on the ship has continued to progress with the main engine survey work now complete. The Medium Pressure connecting rod is now reconnected to the crankshaft. The air pump has also been reassembled following its full survey.
Work has paused for the Christmas break and will restart on Monday 5th January. Waverley is due to move to Greenock in mid-February for work to progress to replace the fire sprinkler system.
