In this newsletter, addressed to all members, CRSC President Gavin Stewart provides an update on Club activities in the next few months.
Welcome to the Autumn Newsletter!!
Autumn already? Where did summer go?
I hope you all enjoyed a pleasant summer and made the most of the fine weather we were fortunate to have for much of the season.
Club President Gavin Stewart
Unfortunately, her South Coast season was disrupted by unusually poor weather, resulting in several rescheduled and cancelled sailings. This was especially disappointing given the remarkable “North About” positioning voyage that brought her to the area — a 1,000-mile journey around Scotland’s north coast via the Pentland Firth, with calls at Dundee and Tilbury, and a memorable meeting off Flamborough Head with Yorkshire Belle, which entered service the same year as Waverley in 1947. She eventually reached Dartmouth in time for her scheduled evening cruise, escorted into Town Pier by her PSPS fleet mate Kingswear Castle.
I personally wish the ship and crew all the very best for their Thames sailings and a safe, smooth return to the Clyde. By the time Waverley re-enters the Firth of Clyde, she will have completed a full circumnavigation of the UK in 2025!
While Waverley operates down south, Caledonian Isles has finally returned to Ardrossan following repairs and sea trials in Leith. At 08:50 on 24 September, she berthed at Ardrossan after a straightforward non-stop voyage. There’s no confirmed date for her return to service yet, as crew familiarisation must take place first. It’s heartening to see her back on the Clyde, and I look forward to sailing on her again soon.
Mark Nicolson, who will address the Club in October
Our winter syllabus begins on Wednesday, 8 October, with a presentation by Mark Nicolson — a well-known CalMac enthusiast familiar to many club members. By the time you read this, you should have received your syllabus card, so I won’t go into detail here. I simply hope to see as many of you at the meetings as possible — remember, the club thrives on member participation!
Cruising Update (by Graeme Hogg)
This summer’s cruising activities included:
- A Nominated Excursion to Ardrishaig aboard Waverley on Sunday, 17 August
- A charter of Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine on Saturday, 13 September
Full reports are available on the website. Both events were enjoyable, and the Club marked significant anniversaries by presenting photographic montages: 50 years in preservation for Waverley, and 125 years of service for Sir Walter Scott. While the latter was a meaningful milestone, the charter was not financially successful, and future charters will need careful consideration.
Looking ahead, the arrival of new vessels Isle of Islay and Glen Rosa may offer fresh opportunities for group sailings. Given her long absence, Caledonian Isles’ return also feels like the arrival of new tonnage, and once she resumes commercial service, we hope to welcome her back with a Nominated Excursion.
Planning Future Events
To help us plan effectively, the committee would appreciate hearing your views on coach hire for future excursions. Please email info@crsc.org.uk to let us know whether you’d be willing to support a coach-and-cruise event involving associated costs, or if you’d prefer to travel independently to locations like Kennacraig or Oban. This topic received mixed feedback in last year’s survey — even before cost became a major factor — so your input is vital.
Final Thoughts
Don’t forget to check the club website regularly for new articles and the latest updates.
Lastly, please note that an unfortunate error has crept in on the recently issued syllabus card, and that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 15th April – not on the date printed on the card. We do apologise for this error!
Remember it is you, our members, who keep the club alive and well!
Warm regards,
Gavin Stewart
President, CRSC
Published on 30 September 2025