Sir Timothy Laurence named patron of Waverley paddle steamer

The husband of Princess Anne has enjoyed a distinguished career in the Royal Navy and is also a keen yachtsman who sails every summer in the waters of the west of Scotland. 

He gladly accepted the invitation to be a patron from the Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, which took ownership of the Waverley in 1974 when she was gifted for £1. 

In celebration of the new partnership, Sir Tim met with crew members and trustees of the charity on a recent trip to the Waverley after she commenced her main summer sailings from Glasgow and around the Clyde Coast.

Sir Tim said: “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Waverley and learning what it takes to keep her sailing.

"Those who work hard to preserve and operate her deserve my support as Waverley is a unique vessel of exceptional importance."

He added: "Not only does she illustrate and provide access to the engineering and maritime heritage of the Clyde and of Britain, but she provides the experience of going to sea under steam, with all the excitement, the sights, sounds and smells that involves.

"This ship is preserving heritage skills and social history as well as the fabric of the ship herself. I am very pleased to be able to help in the vital task of keeping her sailing for many years to come.

"She truly is a sight to behold."

The paddle steamer has undergone some impressive work over the last four years, with an excess of £4 million being raised beyond any operating income to help carry out refurbishment and maintenance work.

The basic annual maintenance cost now exceeds £600,000, and earlier this year a public appeal raised £180,000 to cover the cost of the annual dry docking ahead of her summer sailing season.

Derek Peters, chairman of Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd., said “We are honoured that Sir Tim has agreed to become Patron for Waverley.

"We look forward to working with Sir Tim to strengthen our efforts to attract even greater support for Waverley and ensure her long-term future in operational preservation to her centenary year and beyond.”

As well as her main summer sailings, the Waverley Coast recently embarked on a three-week sailing programme on the Bristol Channel and North Wales.

She will now operate on the Clyde until late August before heading for the South Coast and the Thames.

In order to help attract a new generation of support, children aged between five and 16 are able to travel for just £1 on many sailing routes and cruises.

Tickets for all sailings can be booked at waverleyexcursions.co.uk.