During late August and September, Poole welcomed the return of two beautifully preserved steamships to Town Quay, with both alongside on 4 September although sadly not at the same time.
The Southampton-based Shieldhall (1955) arrived on 28 August for its customary week-long visit to coincide with the Bournemouth Air Festival, offering open days and trips out into Poole Bay as well as a new Jurassic Coast cruise on 29 August, which unfortunately had to be cut short due to engine problems.
Meanwhile, the paddle steamer Waverley (1946) made the 500-nautical-mile journey from Glasgow to arrive on the south coast on 30 August with an overnight stay alongside Swanage Pier, following crew familiarisation trials.
Public sailings began on 1 September including a meeting at sea with Shieldhall on 4 September, after which the paddler called at Poole following the delayed departure of Shieldhall back to Southampton. Both ships were assisted at Poole by the port tug Herbert Ballam.
Photos and report by Kevin Mitchell
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