PS Kingswear Castle returns to Totnes

Saturday 9 February 2013

PS Kingswear Castle returns to Totnes

On Thursday 7th Febuary Kingswear Castle steamed up the River Dart from Dartmouth to Totnes on a trial run. This was her first call at Totnes since 1965. Since her last visit Steamer Quay has been widened so there is now a reduced turning space to allow KC to cant before heading back down river to Dartmouth.

Kingswear Castle sailing up the River Dart

Kingswear Castle alongside Steamer Quay at Totnes

Kingswear Castle will be going up on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company's own slip on Tuesday 12th February. She will enter passenger service on Friday 29th March (Good Friday) with a special "Homecoming Charity Cruise" where all proceeds will be donated to the PSPS. Tickets are still available at www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/ or by calling 01803 555 872

See also details below of the Wessex Branch coach tour on 16th June to sail on Kingswear Castles first public sailing from Totnes.

The Wessex Branch

The Society

The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) is Britain's longest established, largest and most successful steamship preservation group. A registered charity founded in 1959, we have over 3000 members and through our associated companies we operate the only two working paddle steamers in Great Britain. Without the PSPS there would no longer be the opportunity to sail on a Paddle Steamer in Great Britain. Our Aims i) to preserve paddle steamers in sailing condition ii) to educate the public in the historic significance of paddle steamers in the Nation's maritime heritage. iii) to acquire, preserve and exhibit a collection of equipment and material associated with paddle steamers. Our Ships Flagship of our fleet is Waverley the last sea going paddle steamer in the world. Built in 1947 Waverley was gifted to the Society for just £1 in 1973. As well as operating on her native Clyde each summer she visits other coastal area around the UK including the south coast. Kingswear Castle is Britain's only operational coal-fired paddle steamer. Built in 1924 to sail on the River Dart she was purchased by the society in 1967. From 1985 until 2012 she sailed on the Thames and Medway, in 2013 she returns to the River Dart to offer cruises on her home waters. The society is composed of five branches: Wessex covering the south coast, Bristol Channel, London & Home Counties, Scottish and North of England.

Saturday 9 February 2013