Help Keep Balmoral Sailing

http://www.whitefunnel.co.uk/t-2016-fundraising.aspx

1949 built classic motor ship offering day trips all around the UK

If we built Tornado then keeping this ship going is a shoe in

 

There's more chance of keeping this old lady running than restoring TS "Dover", it has to be said, but ships are even more of a drain on finances than even (whisper it quietly) Flying Scotsman has been. Look at how close ss "Shieldhall" came to being taken out of service for good, only a couple of years ago, after severe corrosion was found in some of her frames. Ships are a very expensive business to be in.

It's an excuse to wheel this old thing out...



"It's not the initial expense that breaks you; it's the upkeep" . How very true.

Still, I wish them every success. Summers in UK waters wouldn't be the same without the likes of Waverley, Shieldhall, Balmoral etc pottering about.

 

Large sums of money needed it seems: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bid-lottery-millions-launched-ensure-926409

 

This is bad news, but not unexpected. She's almost 70 years old, and I can see why the authorities are going down the 'cautious' route regarding the hull.

It seems that she's had an unlucky 2017 season too - that's not helped.

My previous comments regarding maintenance etc still stand, but I wish her custodians every success trying to raise the funds needed.

 

A fund to fit her with stabilisers might be appropriate.

Bob.

 

I hope they can get it fixed. Although I have seen the ship a number of times, have still yet to sail on it. I always think it was a bit overshadowed by the Waverley which I have been on 3 times and always seem to book on the Waverley.