'We look forward to welcoming passengers aboard' - Excitement as Paddle Steamer Waverley arrives on the South Coast for September sailings

A historic paddle steamer has arrived on the South Coast ahead of a packed schedule of sailings in the area throughout September.

Paddle Steamer Waverley arrived in Dartmouth late on Tuesday, September 1 as it prepares for sailings between September 3 and September 22.

It is 80 years since the Waverley was first launched and it will be celebrating with cruises from Portsmouth, Gosport and Southampton in Hampshire, Yarmouth and Ryde on the Isle of Wight, Swanage, Poole and Weymouth in Dorset, to Eastbourne and Newhaven in Sussex.

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Captain Bruce Clark, Master of Waverley, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the South Coast for a variety of sailings over the next three weeks, from scenic cruises along the Jurassic Coast to sailings around the Isle of Wight and across the Solent.

“There really is something for everyone, with daytime, afternoon and evening cruises offering locals and visitors the chance to enjoy some of the South Coast’s most spectacular scenery from the unique perspective of Waverley. From Durdle Door and the Needles Lighthouse to Freshwater Bay, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, we’re looking forward to showcasing some of the region’s most famous landmarks.

“We’re particularly excited about our first public sailing from Newhaven since the 1980s on Tuesday 22nd September, when passengers will have the rare opportunity to visit Ryde on the Isle of Wight or cruise to the Needles. It’s a great programme and we look forward to welcoming passengers aboard.”

PS Waverley’s maiden voyage took place on June 16, 1947. After serving as a commercial vessel for many years she is now run on a non-profit basis and was given a major £7m heritage rebuild in 2003. She was fully restored to her 1940s style and was given another £2.3m refit in 2020.

For more details on the sailings and to book tickets visit https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/.