AN urgent public appeal has been launched today to raise funds so that historic paddle steamer Waverley can sail this year.
More than £150,000 is needed to pay for dry dock fees and other re-commissioning costs.
Despite Waverley carrying over 100,000 passengers with sailings in Scotland, on the South Coast and up the River Thames to London last year there is a cash shortfall because of a massive increas ein operating costs.
Paul Semple, Waverley’s general manager, said: “Waverley must be taken out of the water and dry docked annually before her sailing season begins.
“She is now booked to dry dock in late-March and then re-enter service in May. Due to increased operating costs last season we don’t have enough money to afford this year’s dry dock and the numerous other costs we incur in the weeks before Waverley starts sailing.
“Last year our fuel costs increased by over 60 per cent, or in real terms by over £300,000. This is a cost which the owning charity hasn’t been able to withstand.
“We urgently need to raise funds or we simply can’t afford the start-up costs for this coming summer season.”
The Dry Dock 2023 Appeal has a target of £180,000 with over £35,000 already raised. Those who donate by 1 March will be entered into a draw to be selected for the unique opportunity to visit Waverley and see her out of the water in dry dock.
Paul added: “Operating a historic steamship like Waverley is inherently expensive. We are now spending over £600,000 a year just to maintain her in operating condition.
“Spare parts for a paddle steamer are rarely ‘off the shelf’ and come at considerable cost. Dry docking the ship is the single largest expense of the winter maintenance work and as things are we can’t afford to dock her.
“We are asking for help from anyone who wishes to see Waverley sail again this summer to support our appeal.”
Waverley’s outline sailing programme for 2023 has been published with the ship scheduled to start operating in May on the Firth of Clyde.
Waverley is also due to visit Oban and the Inner Hebrides, the Bristol Channel, South Coast and London.
Sailings from Liverpool and Llandudno are dependent on pier repairs being completed at the North Wales resort.
Donations to the Dry Dock 2023 Appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.
