Waverley’s much anticipated South West sailing programme has just been released with sailings taking place from Thursday 29th August until Monday 2nd September. This will be Waverley’s first visit to the area since the late 90s, and her FIRST EVER visit to the picturesque town of Fowey.
On Friday 29th August Waverley will dock in Plymouth and offer an evening cruise as part of the Cattewatter 150 Celebrations. Captain Richard Allan, Harbour Master and CEO, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners commented, “Following a successful trial last October, we’re delighted that PS Waverley will be returning to Plymouth in August and be part of our harbour’s anniversary year and special Cattewater 150 celebrations. This iconic vessel will be berthed on the Barbican Landing Stage during her visit, enabling her passengers easy access onto and off as they enjoy sailings in Plymouth Sound, the Tamar and the wider South Devon coast.”
The pinnacle of Waverley’s visit will be meeting the last remaining steam powered river paddle steamer, Kingswear Castle, on the river Dart on the afternoon of Saturday 31st August. Advance booking is strongly recommended for Waverley meeting Kingswear Castle.
Kingswear Castle will be offering a special sailing to meet Waverley at the entrance of the river allowing passengers on both steamers the opportunity to witness the historic moment – a sailing not to be missed! Tickets for Kingswear Castle can be purchased at dartmouthrailriver.co.uk.
Waverley will also be offering a special cruise on the evening of Saturday 31st August to Start Point returning to Dartmouth to view the Dartmouth Royal Regatta Fireworks. Passengers for Waverley can take the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to connect with Waverley’s evening cruise from Dartmouth on Saturday 31st August or the sailing on Sunday 1st September where a special train will be operating for Waverley passengers. Tickets for the railway will be released soon at dartmouthrailriver.co.uk.
Following her visit to Dartmouth Waverley will steam east to Swanage and the start of her South Coast season which operates from Monday 2nd to Wednesday 25th September. This year sees Waverley’s first visit to Eastbourne in over two decades when she offers two cruises from the Sussex town on Thursday 12th September.
During Waverley’s South Coast cruises she will sail from a variety of ports and piers including Southampton, Portsmouth, Yarmouth, Swanage and Poole. Cruise options include sailing Round the Island, cruising along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast or steaming out to view the famous Needles rocks and lighthouse. Passengers can also choose to step ashore at Swanage and enjoy a combined trip on the Swanage Railway or disembark at Ryde to connect with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Tickets for all sailings can be purchased online or by calling the Booking Office on 0141 243 2224 (Mon-Fri 0930-1630).
