Clyde built - built to last!

On passage Garlieston to Douglas 13 April 1985. Return sailing cancelled. Plenty palava with BoT when pictures published. Waverley only built for Clyde service to Steam III standard, not even classed. Manx sailings now undertaken by mv Balmoral built to Lloyd's A1 and BoT IIA standard. She's there at the moment.

Yes, I well remember the fun when the 'Waverley' showed her paces in this little breeze! Well, she's still going strong. I wouldn't like to be on the 'Balmoral' in similar conditions, certificates or no certificates. Donald.

Balmoral is certainly 'lively' due to hull flare and extra buoyancy forward. Waverley very fine which means she tends to plunge and has lost forward railing caps in the past. Apart from strain on Waverley's longer hull vulnerability is in damage to paddle wheels as a result of which she would be unmanageable and require a major rescue operation. I've been on Balmoral in seas like this when P&A Campbell ran Scilly trips in October! Very tiring hanging on and trying to stay upright.