The
Waverley paddle steamer is set on course to return to Clacton later this month.
Timetables
have been announced and bookings are being taken for voyages on the last
remaining seagoing passenger-carrying vessel of its kind in operation.
Seven
dates are scheduled when Waverley will be docking at the end of the town’s pier
as part of its 75th anniversary programme.
These
begin on Sunday September 24 with the last taking place on Thursday October 6
with a range of sailings lined-up for passengers to enjoy.
These
include cruising the River Orwell, the Thames through Tower Bridge, the River
Blackwater, and the River Stour.
The
in-house team at Clacton Pier has carried out a number of important repairs to
the berthing arm to accommodate the trips.
These
involved replacing a metal cleat that was ripped off in October 2018 when the
vessel last docked at the pier, as well as securing two wooden fenders to the
arm.
The
paddle steamer will also be able to fill its water tanks with up 2,000m litres
of water at each docking.
Pier
director Billy Ball said he was delighted to be able to support Waverley’s
Diamond Jubilee programme.
“Having
vessels pick up passengers from the berthing arm takes us right back to the
early beginnings of the attraction 150 years ago,” he said.
“We
have worked closely with the Waverley team to ensure that everything is in
place for its welcome return on September 24. It will be a fantastic sight to
see her back again.”
The
vessel had to be withdrawn from service in May 2019 after its operators needed
to raise £2.3 million to replace its boilers.
A
successful appeal secured the money for replacements and Waverley was due back
in 2020 but the pandemic and staffing issues scuppered those plans.
Tim Wardley, Chairman of the National Piers Society with a 30-year
association with Waverley, said: “I am very grateful to Clacton Pier for making this
happen as our Diamond Jubilee celebrations would not have been the same without
calling at Clacton.
“There
is such rich history behind vessels docking at the pier and the sailings are a
boost to the seaside economy.”
For
further information and to book a cruise go to waverleyexcursions.co.uk/book
Alternatively,
phone 01412432224 or pay on board.
PHOTO BY KEVIN JAY
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