Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle's first public sailing from Totnes

Thursday, 4 July 2013

Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle's first public sailing from Totnes

On Sunday 16th June Wessex Branch members and friend travelled by coach from Bournemouth and Dorchester to board PS Kingswear Castle for her first public sailing from Totnes since her return home from the Medway.

Kingswear Castle approaching Totnes Steamer Quay

View from Kingswear Castle approaching Totnes

Chris Wood Chairman of the Wessex Branch presenting the PSPS flag

PSPS Flag flying from the mast

Some of the Wessex Branch members on deck

A few historic photographs of Kingswear Castle

Laid up on the River Dart prior to purchase by the society

On the River Medina Isle of Wight

Sailing down the River Medina at Cowes

Parade of Steam on the River Medway

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.

Thursday, 4 July 2013