Why Waverley is so special, by Paul Semple, General Manager

Glasgow Times:

I can still remember seeing Waverley for the first time, even though I was only five, and it was almost 40 years ago. She looked different from other ships.

Those distinctive, sloping funnels in red, white and black, seemed steadfast, as they towered over the decks.

 

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From that early experience of Waverley I thought this must be a special ship, as she had her own song, and her own newspaper – the Waverley Times.

What is more special is the affection so many hold for Waverley. Once aboard it’s easy to understand why. 

You can see the paddles turning, hear the steam whistle. You can watch the engineers at work, see the ropes going ashore and being pulled in to haul Waverley towards the pier.

And there is the smell: the unmistakeable soft aroma of hot engine oil and steam. That is pure Waverley, and there is nothing else like it. There is nothing else like her.

During my final year at school, I replied to an ad entitled: “Do you fancy a summer at sea?” 

It was an easy question to answer. I got a summer job as a steward in the ship’s dining saloon. Once I started, I never really left. Throughout university, and during my teaching career, I went back to Waverley each summer. 

I was invited to become a director of the charity and, in 2019, I became general manager – just as we needed to raise millions of pounds for new boilers, and before a global pandemic kicked in….

Maintaining Waverley is expensive. New parts for a paddle steamer are rarely off-the-shelf. 

There will never be a time when the ship doesn’t require something – she is a demanding lady… 

We need support, in the form of donations, to help us meet the costs of operating her. 

As a charitable organisation we will never make a profit. Any surplus goes back into the ship.

Glasgow Times:

Without committed crew Waverley couldn’t operate. A lack of steam engineers is a threat to her future, so we urgently need to find those who wish to learn the skills involved in maintaining the ship and her magnificent triple expansion steam engine. 

We would warmly welcome new Friends of Waverley,  to donate from as little as £5.20 a month (the figure represents Waverley’s engine number), providing a regular source of income beyond the sailing season. 

With enough Friends, Waverley will continue. To join Friends of Waverley, you can pick up a leaflet on board or sign up on our website.

Waverley is unique. Her continuing operation offers a direct link to Glasgow’s industrial past. Waverley was Clyde-built, and she proudly displays “Glasgow” on her stern.

 

CLICK HERE READ THE FULL 16-PAGE WAVERLEY MAGAZINE 

 

The operation of the ship brings economic benefits to the communities she serves, whether that’s “doon the watter”, around the Isle of Wight or up the River Thames. 

Although operating Waverley has many ups and downs, it all becomes worth it when you experience the atmosphere she creates, particularly at a pier. The sound of the telegraph ringing to ask for “full ahead” as she pulls away; those ashore and aboard waving to each other – Waverley is the star of the show. She brings people together to share a common experience, which thousands treasure. 

We look forward to welcoming you all aboard. 

 

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