Over a two day period (19th & 20th February) both of Waverley’s masts were removed from the ship as her winter refit gathers pace.

Waverley moved from Glasgow under her own power on Monday 16th February, firstly sailing down river turning at the Tail of the Bank before berthing at Greenock’s Custom House Quay. Waverley was then moved by tugs from the Custom House to the James Watt Dock to berth within Dales Marine Services shipyard facility.

Since arriving in Greenock work has progressed well with the internal removal of deck head panels in the Jeanie Deans Lounge and Dining Saloon to allow access for removing the old pipes that form the fire sprinkler system.

The mainmast was lifted off the ship on Thursday 19th February with the foremast removed on Friday 20th February. In the coming days strip out work will continue with the removal of old copper pipe work. Fifteen Dining Saloon windows will be replaced following a highly successful public appeal to raise funds for new masts and windows.

Waverley is expected to move into Garvel dry dock in mid-March for her annual out of the water inspection. During dry dock a section of the hull will be cut open and removed to allow for tanks to be swapped out as part of fitting the new sprinkler system.

The current winter refit is anticipated to cost over £1.5m given the extent of refurbishment works being carried out. This work is being funded by Waverley’s owning charity, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and donations from many supporters.