In a truly unique event Britain’s two largest operational steamships, Shieldhall and the Paddle Steamer Waverley are set to meet and ‘steam together’ side by side in the Solent on Saturday 13th September. The special rendezvous event will bring the two heritage ships, both of which are part of the National Historic Fleet, together in celebration to mark the 70th Anniversary year of SS Shieldhall.
Over the summer months the volunteer team that maintain and operate Steamship Shieldhall have held several events but meeting, sailing and tooting with Waverley has been the most anticipated event of the anniversary calendar. Shieldhall will steam down Southampton Water and head out to the Solent Forts, before meeting with Waverley for both ships to sail in tandem towards Cowes. Over the course of approx. one hour, the two ships will steam together, allowing plenty of opportunities for photography and whistle tooting as Shieldhall and Waverley salute one another in time-honoured style! Other historic vessels are expected to join Shieldhall and Waverley in a Solent flotilla, with plenty of viewing opportunities. During the voyage Shieldhall will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa and Sky Princess – more opportunities to sound her whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!
Shieldhall’s Chairman Martin Phipps noted: ‘We’re delighted to take part in the ‘Steam Together’ sailing with Paddle Steamer Waverley, which has been in the planning stage for a little while. The sight of the two ‘Glasgow icons’ steaming in the Solent together with other historic vessels is sure to bring back wonderful memories for many people. It’ll be a fitting way to mark the final steaming weekend for Shieldhall in our 70th Anniversary year.’
Waverley’s General Manager, Paul Semple, also commented: “I am delighted that Waverley will be sailing throughout the South Coast and Isle of Wight until Sunday 21st September, including this very special meeting with Shieldhall in the Solent as these two great survivors of the age of steam come together in celebration of Shieldhall’s Platinum Anniversary. Events like this are very rare and I know many are looking forward to seeing both ships steaming through the Solent together.”
Tickets for Shieldhall have been sold out for several months but some tickets remain for Waverley which sets sail from Southampton at 10:30am then crosses to Yarmouth before steaming round the Island to meet Shieldhall at the Forts. Tickets for Waverley can be purchased at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.
