Dateline 17 September 2000

This week has seen generally excellent weather, with the exception of Friday which saw heavy rain nearly all day. Sailings went ahead as planned with good loads, despite the fuel crisis, although there was some swell to contend with. However, the return to Weymouth on Wednesday evening was not given as the steamer had to divert to take fuel, the normal arrangement having been cancelled. The night was spent at anchor in Stokes Bay before proceeding to the Wighlink mooring in Portsmouth Harbour for a rendezvous with the fuel tanker.

The weather improved for Saturday's sailing round the Isle of Wight, with over 500 travelling to Sandown. There was a swell running between St Catherine's Point and The Needles and the steamer showed off her improved sea keeping capability.

Saturday was an important day for Wightlink as the first of their new craft, Fastcat Shanklin, entered service on the 0650 from Portsmouth to Ryde. She made about three round trips as part of her working up process. Her companion, Fastcat Ryde, had arrived the previous day and could be seen at the Gunwharf lay-by berth, normally used by one of their car ferries. She will now be prepared for certification and this is expected to take several weeks.

The commemorative placque now refiited to the new Purser's Office

After clearing the Solent on Sunday morning, Waverley took part in a Coastguard training exercise

The winchman and (empty) stretcher are seen rejoining their aircraft.

Winching completed, the helicopter departed leaving Waverley to continue to Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth.

The cliffs of the Dorset Coast

Leaving Weymouth, and after giving three long blasts on her whistle for the last call of the year, Waverley passed the 1934 excursion boat, Flamborian.

At anchor nearby was HMS Edinburgh

Approaching the Needles at dusk. The pinprick of light is from the lighthouse.

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