Appeal to help the last seagoing paddle steamer survive the winter
The Waverley visits Weymouth every year.
Over £130,000 has been raised to help the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, which visits Weymouth, to survive the winter.
Waverley Excursions, the charity who look after The Waverley, are appealing for money for maintenance.
She would ordinarily carry around 100,000 passengers a year on her annual voyage around the country, but this year she carried only 6,000.
The Waverley was taken off the water last year for repairs, and this year's COVID-19 pandemic has meant the charity has seen a sharp drop in income.
They're aiming to raise up to £500,000 to keep her going.
Paul Semple is the General Manager for the charity. He said:
Mr Semple further added, “Waverley normally carries over 100,000 passengers annually but this season we saw less than 6,000 aboard. The ship needs to operate a full summer season to earn sufficient funds and cover costs. Waverley must be maintained to remain in operation and that maintenance comes at a high cost, this winter over £400,000 will be spent on routine works and drydocking.”
Following heavy contact with the pier at Brodick, Waverley will receive a new bow when she is dry docked next spring ahead of the 2021 season. The cost of repairs to the bow will be met by insurance and not from funds raised through the Covid-19 Relief Appeal.