C.C.A. CHARTER CRUISE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 9th 2025

M.V. “DORSET QUEEN”

POOLE HARBOUR EXPLORER CRUISE

The delightful DORSET QUEEN will operate a cruise from Poole Quay , across Poole Harbour, and along the winding river Frome to the historic town at Wareham, landing at the old town quay where passengers may enjoy an hour ashore exploring the delightful old market town or, maybe, take a riverside stroll up or down-stream. Following re-embarkation the QUEEN will cruise around the north of the harbour making a brief stop at Lake Pier. Built in 1939, Hamworthy's Lake Pier in Dorset was originally used as a fuel bunker for boats and a refuelling station for flying boats during World War Two. The 85-year-old structure has been strengthened with steel and new side beams along with rocks added along the harbour edge to give protection from coastal erosion. A long harbour cruise will follow (Poole is the second largest natural harbour in the World) before a (First for the CCA) call will be made at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, at Sandbanks, where complimentary tea and cake will be served. A short historic presentation will be given). Upon leaving Sandbanks the “QUEEN” will cruise back to Poole Quay via the North Channel. DORSET QUEEN was built and launched as 'May Queen II' in Rothesay in 1938. The Board of Trade would not allow the name and she was renamed, 'Gay Queen', originally cruising the Isle of Bute and Loch Striven from 1938 to 1940. In 1940 she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and served in operations in World War II. After the war she returned to Scotland to continue her sightseeing service. During the 1960s 'Gay Queen' was sold to the US Navy base at Holy Loch. In 1988 Rusty Greenslade purchased 'Gay Queen' and after changing her name to that of his granddaughter, Alice-Marie, she ran a service from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island and Wareham Quay within Poole Harbour. In 2007, 'Alice-Marie' became 'Queen of the Fal' operating in Falmouth. In 2010 Dorset Cruises purchased 'Queen of the Fal' and after a £170,000 restoration, re-launched her as DORSET QUEEN in 2011. The cruise has been arranged allowing passengers to remain at Poole overnight and join the WAVERLEY on Wednesday 10^th on her only advertised sailing from Poole in 2025. For more information please mail : karllamb1@aol.com or call 07718934425.