PADDLE steamer Waverley’s winter refit has taken a major step forward with the removal of her main mast at James Watt Dock in Greenock.
The mast was last replaced in 2016, while the foremast was last replaced in 2003 as part of Waverley’s major heritage rebuild. This marks the first time in her almost 80-year career that both masts will be replaced at the same time, with removal of the foremast due to take place in the coming days.
The mast replacement forms part of Waverley’s Masts and Windows Winter Appeal, which has been funded entirely through the generosity of public donations. The appeal has been seeking to raise £135,000, and an announcement confirming that the target has been reached will be made shortly. Every donation, large or small, plays a vital role in preparing Waverley for her 2026 sailing season, during which she will mark the 80th anniversary of her launch.
Paul Semple, Waverley’s general manager, said: “Preserving the authentic character of Waverley is absolutely central to everything we do. She is not just a passenger vessel but a living, working piece of maritime history. Carrying out work such as mast replacement to the highest possible standard ensures that future generations can continue to experience paddle steamer travel exactly as it was meant to be.”
Alongside the mast replacement, significant progress has already been made on fully replacing Waverley’s fire sprinkler systems. Over recent days, large sections of the pipework have been removed, with the main task over the coming weeks being the complete replacement of the old copper pipes with new stainless-steel pipework throughout the ship. The renewal of the fire sprinkler system, along with the replacement of the port paddlebox spring beam, required an investment of more than £500,000, jointly funded by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society and Waverley’s owning charity.
Throughout Waverley’s preservation career, many major refurbishments have been undertaken. While it has not always been possible to retain every original 1947 feature, her owning charity remains firmly committed to maintaining her traditional character wherever possible, even when this presents technical and financial challenges.
Donations to support Waverley’s Masts and Windows Winter Appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk, or by contacting Waverley’s Booking Office on 0141 243 2224 (Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm; Fridays, 9.30am to 4.00pm).
Bookings are now open for Waverley’s Clyde Spring sailings from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May, and for her Oban and Inner Hebrides programme from Tuesday 12 May to Tuesday 19 May. The Clyde Summer timetable, operating from Friday 26 June to Sunday 30 August, will be released in mid-March, when bookings will open. Book online or call Waverley’s Booking Office on 0141 243 2224.
