On Saturday 13th September Waverley took part in a steam ship parade as she steamed side by side with Shieldhall through the eastern Solent.

Waverley’s schedule for the day incorporated sufficient time to allow the two Clyde built steam ships, with a combined age of 148 years, to sail together for almost one hour giving passengers on each vessel the ideal viewing platform to watch and wave to the other.

By 4pm Shieldhall was in position setting a straight course from the Forts due west. Waverley having been to off Bembridge on the far east of the Isle of Wight came steaming up at full speed. With her passengers all on deck to see Shieldhall Waverley duly announced her arrival at the event with Shieldhall responding in similar fashion.

To begin with Waverley steamed down Shieldhall’s starboard side paddling ahead and then falling in behind her. Waverley then steamed down Shieldhall’s port side giving passengers on both sides of each vessel the opportunity to see the other steamer.

Seafin (1961) operated by Seafin Luxury Charters and Solent Cat (2000) operated by Solent Cruises also took part with each taking turns to steam between Waverley and Shieldhall giving their respective passengers views at close quarters.

After much tooting and waving there was one more addition to the event in the form of a coastguard helicopter which flew close above Shieldhall to conduct a training exercise much to the pleasure of passengers aboard Shieldhall. After about 50 minutes it was time for Waverley to set course for Yarmouth while Shieldhall made her way directly back to her home berth in Southampton Docks.

The special sailing and ‘steam together’ event was the finale to a special year for Shieldhall which celebrated her 70th Anniversary. Originally built to carry treated sewage from Shieldhall and Dalmuir down the River Clyde for disposal in deeper waters around Garroch Head Shieldhall has now been operated in preservation for over 30 years – a longer period of time than her original function. Like Waverley, Shieldhall relies on generous supporters to help keep her in steam and operating. Unlike Waverley, Shieldhall is entirely run by volunteers and will operate for around 25-30 days a year. Further details on Shieldhall can be found on her website.

Some images kindly provided by Andrew Cooke capturing the special event.