Achi news desk-
An expanded program was also praised with a record breaking 70 ports and piers included in this year’s cruise itinerary, supported by a dedicated marketing strategy and engagement across major social media platforms.
Flagship of the Year status has been awarded annually by National Historic Ships UK since 2009, highlighting ships on the National Register of Historic Ships to celebrate their historical significance and value.
Throughout the coming season the Waverley will proudly fly a special Flagship Pennant to signify its national status and receive an engraved brass plaque.
READ MORE: Kevin Mckenna on board the Waverley: ‘Long will she ply her trade on the Clyde’
Following the announcement, Sir Timothy Laurence, husband of HRH Princess Anne and Patron of Waverley Paddle Steamer, said: “I am delighted that Waverley has won the title of National Flagship 2024.
“This reflects not only the very positive impression she has created around the UK in recent years but also the economic benefit she generates wherever she goes.
“Many congratulations to the Waverley team for this well-deserved award.”
Waverley’s ambitious sailing program for 2024 will begin on Friday, May 17 with a weekend of sailing on the Clyde Coast before she sets course for Oban and the Inner Hebrides.
Moving to June, Waverley will head south for the Severn Sea where it was said that her sails last summer were so well received that almost all were sold out in advance.
The ‘highlight’ of the 2024 season will be Waverley’s return to the South West and the River Dart at the end of August where she will exchange whistles with Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer as the last two working paddle steamers in the UK meet for the first time in over a period of time. a decade
Kingswear Castle, which runs on the river, is celebrating its centenary this year and was previously the flagship winner in 2019.
The Waverley’s main summer season on the Clyde Coast runs from Friday, June 18 to Sunday, August 25 with a wide variety of cruises available as the ship sails from Glasgow and calls at 16 towns and villages around the River Clyde .
READ MORE: A trip to the unmissable Scottish town ‘worth the detour’
This comes after an independent Economic Impact Assessment concluded that passengers on board the historic ship during its 2023 season contributed £11.6 million to the UK economy, with £6 million in Scotland and £5.6 million on across the rest of the UK.
The ship now supports around 184 full-time equivalent jobs, compared to 136 in 2015 with its presence in Argyll and Bute reportedly contributing around £1.4 million a year to the local economy.
Waverley Excursions said of the award: “Waverley’s recognition with the 2024 National Flagship Award reaffirms her status as an iconic ship and a testament to the nation’s shipping heritage.
“As she prepares to commence her voyages in 2024, Waverley’s owning charity (Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd) remains steadfast in its mission to maintain her in full working order to provide maximum public access to the attraction national living and working steam heritage. and international significance.”
