An urgent appeal has been launched today to “urgently” raise funds so historic paddle steamer Waverley can afford dry dock fees and re-commissioning costs, and therefore sail in 2023.

Waverley operated from Southend Pier and several other areas around the UK coast this year following the easing of Covid pandemic restrictions.

However, operating costs soared which has resulted in a lack of funds to survive the winter maintenance period.

Despite carrying over 100,000 passengers with sailings in Scotland, on the South Coast and up the River Thames to London, there is a cash shortfall.

Paul Semple, Waverley’s general manager, explained: “Waverley must be taken out of the water and dry docked annually before her sailing season begins. She is now booked to dry dock in late-March and then re-enter service in May.

"Due to increased operating costs last season we don’t have enough money to afford this year’s dry dock and the numerous other costs we incur in the weeks before Waverley starts sailing.

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"Last year our fuel costs increased by over 60 per cent or in real terms by over £300,000.

"This is a cost which the owning charity hasn’t been able to withstand. We urgently need to raise funds or we simply can’t afford the start up costs for this coming summer season.”

The Dry Dock 2023 Appeal has a target of £180,000 with more than £35,000 already raised.

Those who donate by March 1 will be entered into a draw to be selected for the unique opportunity to visit Waverley and see her out of the water in dry dock.

Paul added: “Operating a historic steamship like Waverley is inherently expensive. We are now spending over £600,000 a year just to maintain her in operating condition.

"Spare parts for a paddle steamer are rarely ‘off the shelf’ and come at considerable cost.

"Dry docking the ship is the single largest expense of the winter maintenance work and as things are we can’t afford to dock her.

"We are asking for help from anyone who wishes to see Waverley sail again this summer to support our appeal.”

Waverley’s outline sailing programme for 2023 has been published with the ship scheduled to start operating in May on the Firth of Clyde.

Waverley is set to operate the river cruises from September 22 to October 8 from Southend Pier during its UK tour from its base in Glasgow.

Donations to the Dry Dock 2023 Appeal can be made online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.