Paddle Steamer Waverley passing downstream through Tower Bridge for the first time in the London 2023 season on 24th September 2023.
Paddle Steamer Waverley’s 2024 Visit To London
The world’s last sea-going paddle steamer, Waverley, visited the River Thames as part of its annual cruise around the UK. Waverley sailed between several Thames ports carrying hundreds of day trippers on each leg.
29th September
With only a few hours notice, a special one way cruise from Gravesend to Tower Pier was advertised on the 29th September.
Waverley had sustained some damage when she hit floating debris leaving Portsmouth. That led to some cancellations, the end result of which Waverly needed to sail empty from Gravesend To Tower Pier to regain the timetable.
The offer of a £1 cruise was hurriedly emailed out and a couple of hundred passengers joined Paddle Steamer Waverley, most having also made a top-up donation.
30th September
Waverley sailed in overcast weather on an almost flat calm River Thames.
For a few seconds after passing through Tower Bridge, Waverley created a pseudo symmetrical image. The boat escorting alongside was the Port of London Harbourmaster’s launch.
The Waverley then returned well after dark, passing the backdrop of the City of London.
4th October
Photographed from the IFS London Cable Car in East London, Waverley passed the O2 (Millennium Dome) in calm waters.
This area of the River Thames is very much a working part of the river in addition to the leisure users.
Photographing a moving ship from a moving cable car needed careful timing. The pictures were all taken through the cable car’s glass windows being careful to avoid reflections.
5th October
Waverley passed through Tower Bridge at 18:00 with a cruise from Clacton to Gravesend.
The weather was again overcast and the light failing at sunset.
Waverley was turned in the Pool of London by the tug Devout in the area between HMS Belfast and London Bridge.
Waverley gently heeled over as she was pulled round with the wash from Devout’s propeller making dramatic waves against Waverley’s bow.
Once turned, Waverley passed back through Tower Bridge without docking. After reaching Gravesend, the passengers returned to Clacton on coaches.
7th October
At 09:20 Tower Bridge lifted for Waverley to pass through at the start of another cruise to Gravesend, Southend and Whistable.
In the beautiful morning sun, Paddle Steamer Waverley glided down the River Thames, her upper decks lined with passengers as Waverley sailed into the rising sun.
More Paddle Steamer Waverley Content
X-Pilot Rendezvous With Waverley and Challenge
In October 2022 X-Pilot, paddle steamer Waverley and steam tug Challenge rendezvoused at the World War Two Red Sands Maunsell fort.
Paddle Steam Waverley in London, October 2022
The paddle steamer Waverley visits London in Autumn to run cruises on the Thames. The world’s last steam powered, sea going paddle steamer.
