Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has been awarded the prestigious status of National Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships UK.
The award recognises the breadth and geographic coverage of the vessel’s not-for-profit-run sailings including its extended sailing programme planned for this year with a record beating 70 ports and piers on the itinerary -which includes Oban.
Waverley’s presence in Argyll and Bute contributes an estimated £1.4 million annually to the area’s economy.
The paddle steamer’s 2024 sailing programme gets under way on Friday May 17 with a weekend of sailings on the Clyde coast before she sets course for Oban and the Inner Hebrides from May 20 to May 27, including a first-time sailing to Ullapool.
As May turns to June, Waverley will head south for the Bristol Channel where her sailings last summer were so well received almost all were sold out in advance.
Throughout this season she will proudly fly a special Flagship Pennant to denote her national status and receive an engraved brass plaque.
The Flagship of the Year status has been awarded annually by National Historic Ships UK since 2009 to spotlight vessels on the National Register of Historic Vessels, celebrating their significance and historical value.
Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne and Patron of Paddle Steamer Waverley, said, “I am delighted that Waverley has been awarded the title of National Flagship 2024. This reflects not only the very positive impression she has created around the UK in recent years but also the economic benefit she generates wherever she goes. My congratulations to the Waverley team for this well-deserved award.”
According to figures from last year’s season, passengers aboard the historic vessel contributed an impressive £11.6 million to UK economy, with £6 million in Scotland and £5.6 million across the rest of the UK.
The vessel also support approximately 184 full-time equivalent jobs, compared to 136 in 2015.
Beyond her economic contributions, Waverley stands as a symbol of maritime history and heritage, attracting passengers across a range of generations with her nostalgic charm. Now, 50 years on since being gifted to a charity for £1, she engages tens of thousands of passengers and supporters each year with her cruises.
Interested in more information? Visit here waverleyexcursions.co.uk&source=gmail&ust=1714642621225000&usg=AOvVaw2m8GrwN2WlCy9oXekEp4Cm">waverleyexcursions.co.uk or call 0141 243 2224.
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