On Wednesday 13 September 2023 Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, made her first visit to Shoreham Port for her inaugural cruise from the West Sussex harbour.
She was berthed in the outer layby, while her 620 passengers were bussed into the Port for their cruise, while was initially to Ryde, Isle of Wight, where some disembarked to visit the Isle of Wight, while others took a trip on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
The remaining passengers stayed on board for an extended cruise through the Solent, taking in the Needles Rocks and lighthouse, before finally disembarking at Yarmouth.
When leaving her berth some 30 minutes late from her scheduled departure time of 09.45, Waverley was assisted by the Ports Pilot Boats, at starboard bow and rear port, to tightly turn 180 degrees, before proceeding on her voyage, leaning slightly to port, her decks full with excited passengers.
Photo and report by Malcolm Witherden
For more news like this, subscribe to Ships Monthly here.
For more news like this, visit the news page.
Sign up for Ships Monthly’s FREE e-newsletter here.
