The PS Waverley turns into the waves on departure Photo: Ray Duff
Words and pictures by Ray Duff – Despite wet and windy weather, the World’s last sea-going paddle-steamer, Waverley, made her first return to Folkestone Harbour for twenty three years and picked up passengers for a trip around the Kent coast and into the Thames Estuary before arriving, under Tower Bridge in London.
Passengers move to board for their London trip Photo: Ray Duff
She had left Eastbourne in mid-morning making her way along the Sussex coast past the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, and thence passing via Hastings and picturesque Rye, to round Dungeness Point padding valiantly against the prevailing wind and tides.
The paddle steamer Waverley’s mid section Photo: Ray Duff
The vessel was carrying hundreds of sight-seers from Eastbourne Marina, and as she approached off Folkestone, watched by hundreds who had braved the weather and those waiting to board, she then made a sharp starboard turn to approach bow and passed the lighthouse at the end of the Harbour Arm.
Passengers move to board for their London trip Photo: Ray Duff
Sweeping up to her berth, paddles beating to slow her down, she was soon alongside and passengers making the shorter trip disembarked quickly, whilst those boarding made their way down the pier to do so. Most headed into the shelter of the decks, with some of the hardier souls standing atop to await departure.
Shortly after, the order to “let go” was given and with the aid of a tug pulling her away, the Waverley began her turn to depart for her long trip passed Dover and the White Cliffs before heading to round North Foreland and along the north coast towards the Thames.
Let’s all hope it’s not another twenty plus years before she makes another visit to Folkestone!
Further Info: www.waverley.co.uk