Waverley and Balmoral

Glad you enjoyed. I saw her leave Southampton, on passage off Calshot in addition to twice arriving and sailing at Cowes! She looked great dressed overall even if she had undercoat on her funnel! #-o =D>

 

It was a great day out. The only small problem was not being able to sail from Town Quay; we all had to be coached to 101 and then coached back from 104 to Town Quay in the evening. What had happened at Town Quay wasn't entirely clear, and I hope the cost of the road transport hasn't dented the trip's profitability too much.

We stayed in Cowes whilst she sailed round the Island, and it's a shame for those who did the trip that there was fog all the way from Ventnor to the Needles.

This was my first trip on either the Balmoral or Waverley. I'll be doing more of this! \/

 

Thats what we like to hear! Spread the word!! =D>

Sadly Town Quay berthing arrangements are limited - there was talk of using the red jet terminal but that is pretty fragile for a ship the size of the Balmoral, the other option is the layup berth that the Red funnel ferries use overnight n the other side but not ideal for passengers. Sadly in the age of Elf and Safety things aren't easy for them and coaches are having to be used more often.

 

Here's my efforts from Bal's weekend in home waters.

Leaving Southampton on Saturday morning.


Passing the inbound Red Jet 3.


Onboard Red Jet Cowes bound, we passed the Balmoral off Calshot where Commander Nick Rose gave a full history off the Bal. He also gave us a close up view of her.


Balmoral approaching Cowes with Rd Jet 3 outbound.




PS Monarch providing the red funnel!


Turning to come alongside.



At home!



Off around the Island.


Returning to Cowes in the evening.


Passengers and lots of em!


Outbound for Portsmouth.


And a few from today - inbound to Portsmouth.


Her pink matching the buildings behind nicely!


Pretending to be the Southsea/Ryde/Brading?! Departing Portsmouth for Ryde.

 

Anyone on Waverley next Friday Evening or Saturday daytime? I shall be making the long trip up from Cardiff for my annual Clyde Paddle! \/