South Coast 2007

    Second Report 15 September

Words and pictures by Martin Longhurst except where stated

Sunday 9 September 2007 saw the Waverley sail from Southampton to Yarmouth, Bournemouth and Weymouth for time ashore. Again glorious weather accompanied the steamer. There were good numbers on board out of Bournemouth for the main attraction - the Jurassic Coast.

The car carrier Morning Champion dwarfs Sheildhall, both moored at Southampton

The Jurassic Coast

Old Harry Rocks

Assistant Purser Simon Morgan has just set the traditional fan boards

As additional passengers were to join at Weymouth for the return passage, the paddler took the direct course and made her landfall about half an hour early. The eastward voyage, however, hugged the coast giving excellent views of the fascinating geology while the full complement was on board.

Monday was Worthing day and conditions were perfect as a capacity crowd boarded the steamer for Yarmouth, Bournemouth and Lulworth. Good loads were carried on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing a twinkle to Jim MacFadzean's eye.

Entering Portsmouth Harbour on 13 September (Richard Joliffe)

The high pressure continued to give a calm sea on Thursday as the Waverley departed from Portsmouth for her normal itinerary to Yarmouth, Bournemouth and Lulworth. The early mist cleared to reveal dark clouds but soon the sun came through to illuminate the Jurassic strata clearly. After a close-in passage, the steamer turned off Osmington and headed back on a direct course across the bays. From Portsmouth, Waverley sailed light for Southampton for her weekend sailings.

Worbarrow Tout

Arish Mel Gap

Western Lady III also cruises the Jurassic Coast

Solent Scene heads for Swanage from Poole

Ballard Down (to the left) and the cliffs north to Old Harry Rocks

Friday's cruise saw the paddler carrying passengers back to Portsmouth then to Yarmouth for a short cruise to view The Needles. Today Captain Colledge took the steamer around the chalk pinnacles and some way eastward before turning for home.

Saturday's sail starts from the same places but heads Round the Island after leaving Yarmouth. The circumnavigation was fully booked so casual passengers could only travel as far as the Island port.

Overtaking St Faith outbound from Portsmouth

The RFA Largs Bay anchored in Spithead.  The stern door to her landing craft dock is just closing with the ship down by the stern before the dock is pumped dry.

The Landslip between Ventnor and Shanklin

Sandown Pier

Cenwulf prepares to cross to Lymington as Waverley lies at Yarmouth Pier

For the third time, Chris Philips of Brighstone gave his well researched commentary and was rewarded by a round of applause called for by Purser Jim. On the return leg we encountered another bevy of liners setting sail from Southampton. In the lead was the QE2 at the commencement of her Round Britain 40th Anniversary Cruise. She was closely followed by Sea Princess and Oceania.

Looking back from QE2, the Waverley is arrowed with Sea Princess and Oceania to the north (Frank Gradwell)

Leaving Portsmouth on the last leg to Southampton

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