The much anticipated return of the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer the PS Waverley to Plymouth and the South West has been announced by Waverley Excursions.
The historic paddle steamer will arrive in Plymouth on Friday 29th August and will dock at the Barbican Landing Stage, and will be offering an evening cruise as part of the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners 150 years celebrations in the city.
Captain Richard Allan, Harbour Master and Chief Executive of Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, said: “Following a successful trial last October, we’re delighted that the 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,” he said.
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners works across the city with many local businesses and organisations and a leading player of the Cruise Plymouth Partnership, created in 2021 with a shared vision to increase the number of cruise ships visiting Plymouth.
The Cattewater Harbour Commissioners also support local projects like swim buoys, swim pontoons and the annual Plymouth fireworks championships, as well as its statutory duties keeping the successful Cattewater Harbour open for business, and facilitating over two million tonnes of cargo, with a value of over £1.4 billion being imported and exported in and out of Plymouth.
The pinnacle of PS Waverley’s visit to the South West will be meeting the last remaining British river paddle steamer, the Kingswear Castle, at the entrance of the River Dart, on Saturday 31st August where passengers on both steamers can witness the historic moment.
On the evening of the 31st August the PS Waverley will sail up to Start Point in South Devon and is one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English Coast, running sharply almost a mile into the sea on the South side of Start Bay. The PS Waverley and passengers will return to Dartmouth to view the spectacular Royal Regatta Fireworks display.
The PS Waverley was built in 1945, originally for the route up Loch Goil and Loch Long from Craigendoran & Arrochar in West Scotland. She now visits coastal cities and areas around the UK offering regular trips during the summer months.
For more details and timetables on the PS Waverley’s South West cruises can be viewed on their website: www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
