33 Shieldhall and PS Waverley in the eastern Solent 13-9-25 (Image © Andrew Cooke)
Shieldhall marks her 70th year with a Paddle Steamer Waverley Solent rendezvous.
On Saturday 13th September two Glaswegian icons took to the Solent, showcasing the power and beauty of steam. The event was a culmination of celebrations staged to mark the 70th anniversary of Southampton’s Steamship Shieldhall, and which saw her meet up with the Paddle Steamer Waverley and ‘steam together’ for approximately an hour. With a combined age of 148 years, there was high demand for tickets to board both Clyde built vessels, with the sail together giving passengers on each vessel the ideal viewing platform to watch and wave to the other.
By 4pm Shieldhall was in position setting a straight course from the Solent Forts due west. Waverley having been to off Bembridge on the far east of the Isle of Wight came steaming up at full speed. With her passengers all on deck to see Shieldhall Waverley duly announced her arrival at the event with Shieldhall responding in similar fashion.
76a Shieldhall and friend in the eastern Solent 13-9-25 (Image © Andrew Cooke)
To begin with Waverley steamed down Shieldhall’s starboard side paddling ahead and then falling in behind her. Waverley then steamed down Shieldhall’s port side giving passengers on both sides of each vessel the opportunity to see the other steamer.
Seafin (1961) operated by Seafin Luxury Charters and Solent Cat (2000) operated by Solent Cruises also took part with each taking turns to steam between Waverley and Shieldhall giving their respective passengers views at close quarters.
After much tooting and waving there was one more addition to the event in the form of a coastguard helicopter which flew close above Shieldhall to conduct a training exercise much to the pleasure of passengers aboard Shieldhall. After about 50 minutes it was time for Waverley to set course for Yarmouth while Shieldhall made her way directly back to her home berth in Southampton Docks.
Martin Phipps, Chairman of The Shieldhall Charity, noted: ‘We were thrilled to meet up with the Waverley and exchange greetings with much sounding of whistles and sirens. The weather held for us and we have had some wonderful feedback from passengers. Timetables allowing, it would be wonderful to think that this could become an annual gathering in the Solent, with the support of other historic vessels.’
The sailing and ‘steam together’ event was the finale to a special year for Shieldhall which celebrated her 70th Anniversary. Originally built to carry treated sewage from Shieldhall and Dalmuir down the River Clyde for disposal in deeper waters around Garroch Head Shieldhall has now been operated in preservation for over 30 years – a longer period of time than her original function. Both steamships rely on generous supporters to help keep them in steam and operating. Unlike Waverley however, Shieldhall is entirely run by volunteers and will operate at sea for around 25-30 days a year.
Further details on Shieldhall can be found on her website, www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
Waverley’s season continues with more sailings on the south coast until 23 September and then from London and the Thames Estuary from 24 September – 12 October. For more info and tickets, visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
