Waverley on the South Coast: 19 September 2005
by Martin Longhurst
Although there was a strong north-easterly breeze, sufficient to cause the suspension of the Southampton-West Cowes Red Jet catamaran service, blowing on Friday 16 September 2005, the Waverley's schedule was unaffected. In fact, it was a very well loaded cruise from Southampton and Portsmouth to Yarmouth and a Needles cruise with the Senior Citizen Free offer in force.
Saturday's cruise also originated in Southampton, today with the full Round The Island destination. About 100 took advantage of the 90 minute single trip to Portsmouth. After a couple of hundred boarded at the Station Pier, the paddler steamed off to Yarmouth. Here over 200 left the ship but about 350 joined, causing a 25 minute late departure for the anti-clockwise circumnavigation with nearly 700 on board.
Visibility was excellent for the trip with distant views of the Isle of Purbeck as we rounded The Needles. Freshwater Bay, Blackgang, St Catherine's Head, Ventnor, Bonchurch, Shanklin and Sandown fell behind the steamer in turn. Rounding Bembridge Ledge, some small liquid gas tankers were passed at anchor. Finally, back to Yarmouth where we berthed port side to as the tide was flooding. On the run back to Portsmouth we saw the super ferries Normandie and Pride of Bilbao enter the harbour ahead of us.
Sunday's weather was even better with a cloudless sky and very little wind. The northerly trend of what wind there was meant there was even better visibility than the day before. However, it did mean it was a bit parky on deck! Later it did cloud over a little but the sea remained calm as the steamer made her westwards to Yarmouth, Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth and then all the way back.
The Southampton Boat Show near Waverley's berth
Red Osprey following the paddler down Southampton Water
Caedmon entering Yarmouth Harbour as Waverley lies alongside the Pier
The Coastguard helicopter returning to base at Portland Bill
The Jurassic Coast
The paddler reached Southampton on time at 21.30 after over 1,000 passengers had crossed her decks. She discharged at Berth 101 before moving to Berth 104 for her off service day on Monday.