The world’s last surviving seagoing passenger carrying paddle steamer returned to Clacton as part of its autumn cruising programme.
Waverley docked at the pier over the weekend for trips to various destinations.
On Friday afternoon the iconic vessel, which was built in 1946, arrived to take passengers out to the Ross Revenge in the River Blackwater as part of Radio Caroline’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
The special cruise to one of the UK’s most famous radio stations included DJ Ray Clark talking about the history of Radio Caroline. Caroline Pirate DJ Keith Skuse and radio personalities Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt were also on board.
Waverley spokesman Tim Wardley said: “We had 350 people load at Clacton and many turned up in fancy dress. It was brilliant and the weather was just perfect.”
On the same evening Waverley made an excursion out to the Port of Felixstowe and down the River Orwell.
On Saturday passengers were taken from Clacton along the Essex Coast and up the River Thames and under London Bridge and from there they returned by coach. The cruise was fully booked as is another to London on Wednesday (9th).
There are still places available on a trip out to the Principality of Sealand tomorrow (8th) with three generations of its royal family – including Prince Michael – joining at Clacton.
Sixties band Eclipse will be playing live to make it a swinging party cruise leaving the pier at 3pm and returning around 6pm.
Sealand is a famous wartime fort at sea and is an independent nation with its own currency and passport.
Nigel Brown, Clacton Pier’s Communications Manager, said: “It is always a pleasure to accommodate Waverley on our berthing arm and it keeps up an historic link to our past.
“The cruises are extremely popular and the steamer is a magnificent sight coming in to dock. We are proud to be able to support the charity-owned vessel and look forward to her coming back next year.”
To book a place on tomorrow’s trip to Sealand visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk