THE iconic Waverley is at risk of not sailing this summer after a huge funding crisis which threatens her existence was revealed.

A public appeal has been launched to urgently raise £180,000 to enable the historic paddle steamer to go into dry dock.

Unless enough money is pledged, bosses from the charity which runs the vessel say they will be unable to afford the necessary fees and re-commissioning costs, which would prevent sailings in 2023.

Last year Waverley operated in several areas around the UK coast following the easing of pandemic restrictions, but operating costs soared.

This has resulted in a lack of funds to survive the winter maintenance period.

Despite carrying over 100,000 passengers with sailings in Scotland, on the south coast and up the River Thames to London, there is a cash shortfall which must be plugged before she can take to the water again.

Paul Semple, Waverley’s general manager, said: “Waverley must be dry docked annually before her sailing season begins.

"She is 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 the beginning of 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.

Mr Semple says he hopes people will do their bit to secure the vessel's future and ensure she continues to delight passengers and sightseers on the Clyde coast and further afield.

He said: “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 so 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.

*Donations to the Dry Dock 2023 Appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224 and those donating online can opt to be included on a virtual donor wall.

 

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