Waverley Thames trip

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Bran

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Monday saw us on a Waverley cruise from Tower pier to the Maunsell forts in the estuary, returning just after dark. It was a perfect day, little wind, fairly bright and a visit by the 1931 steam tug Challenge, one of the original tugs that towed some of the forts into place during the war.
just some of the photos 393981A9-EFDA-487D-A595-50892C772517.jpegF03F1A1E-0BCB-410F-B500-08BF41E09752.jpeg9EC0DE77-06DF-47FB-B600-D7CC2133492B.jpeg1FE3A350-C08E-4D71-9685-9FD756D80C39.jpeg
 

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Nice. I noticed it broke down at Sarfend at the weekend. Good news they got it going alright.

Not been on it but looks pleasant. Going back up to the Clyde soon it seems.

Must admit I previously assumed it was a coal burner.
 
Outinthedinghy said:
Nice. I noticed it broke down at Sarfend at the weekend. Good news they got it going alright.

Not been on it but looks pleasant. Going back up to the Clyde soon it seems.

Must admit I previously assumed it was a coal burner.
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We were keeping an eye on it. Unfortunately for the people that had a cruise on the day before us were disappointed with a cancellation. Luckily they managed to fix the fault and we all ended up with a great day, especially with the ST Challenge providing even more interest.
 
Fjord John said:
Thanks for sharing Bran. I’m going on her this Sunday. V much looking forward to it.
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Hope your trip goes as planned, we really enjoyed it, of course good weather helped but the boat was really great to be on. Going through tower bridge opening was great plus all the sights along the way. Will be keeping an eye on the sailings for Sunday, hope you have a great day.
 
Bran said:
Hope your trip goes as planned, we really enjoyed it, of course good weather helped but the boat was really great to be on. Going through tower bridge opening was great plus all the sights along the way. Will be keeping an eye on the sailings for Sunday, hope you have a great day.
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Thanks Bran. I’ve taken my boat up that stretch a few times and always find it exciting. But I’ve never been on a working paddle steamer, which is now a unique experience- sure one not to be missed for us boat lovers! I wonder what it’s like to manoeuvre it! I’m guessing no bow thruster?! John

ps thanks for the videos - special moments
 
I was fishing not far from the towers on Monday when you went passed it looked stunning along with the steam tug. the steam whistles did wake me from my snooze.
 
Cracking photos. :)
Few RCC boats hopefully are going down to see her arrive in the Medway again this Saturday, all things being well ?




 
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Fjord John said:
Thanks Bran. I’ve taken my boat up that stretch a few times and always find it exciting. But I’ve never been on a working paddle steamer, which is now a unique experience- sure one not to be missed for us boat lovers! I wonder what it’s like to manoeuvre it! I’m guessing no bow thruster?! John

ps thanks for the videos - special moments
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I keep London VTS 14 on in the wheelhouse on the London boat 24/7. At Limehouse so I get all comms from the upper and lower pool.

The other day when Wavereley was swinging off tower pier to proceed outward bound on an ebb tide the master / pilot of the vessel was quite firm with tower bridge.

" are going up towards London bridge and will begin the swing once the bridge is open. Once we have swung we are committed."

They do have a little tug for assistance (Thames Vixen I think it was) but I don't think it does all that much so once you are going somewhere that is where you are going. I suppose people held up in traffic will be annoyed but its such a nice boat

Saturday October the 8th Rail Strike so might be hard work getting back into London from Sarfend on that day. I think c2c are affected by the strike.
 
When we left tower pier on Waverley it headed upstream towards London Bridge then the tug pulled the bow round when we were quite close to London Bridge.
There was a fair ebb tide at that time as it was 2 hrs after high water. The tug was close to Waverley at both arrivals but was not attached.
 
It's a fantastic day out.
We went from Harwich to Tower Bridge.
There was also a guide on a mike giving all the history of the Thames River and buildings.
 
LONG_KEELER said:
It's a fantastic day out.
We went from Harwich to Tower Bridge.
There was also a guide on a mike giving all the history of the Thames River and buildings.
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Really was a fantastic day out.
We also had a guide going downstream, very knowledgeable. Plus a very enthusiastic lady guide about the forts and steam tug.
 
I'm tempted to book this for Saturday as I have my children with me all day and we are based at Limehouse so its easy to get to Tower.

Must check the status of the C2C for getting back from Sarfend. Would be a nice day out indeed.
 
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