2020 AGM Cruise Report
Report on 2020 AGM Cruise
After a lengthy debate as to a suitable charter vessel for the CCA Annual meeting, the Scottish Branch came to the conclusion that Loch Katrine and Lady of The Lake (ex Pride of the Clyde) was the most suitable option in 2020, This vessel was well known to the CCA during her days on the Clyde and she is ideal for winter sailing with a good amount of covered accommodation and panoramic windows. On Saturday 25th January, 2020, it was quite mild but the wind was fresh and the covered accommodation was welcome.
The vessel was dressed up and, with the CCA flag flying, we left in true Scottish style with a piper playing us off, on what turned out to be a memorable 3 hour cruise. Setting off round Ellen's isle, the cruise covered the whole length of the loch and went further up the loch than ever visited before by many on board. Both sides of the loch were also visited during the cruise.
The Sir Walter Scott (now in her 120th year of Scottish loch cruising)
was seen as we set off
Time was allowed at Stronachlachar to enjoy the café and stretch legs.
The AGM was held at the Commodore Inn Helensburgh, followed by dinner. The venue was kindly provided by Vintage Inns, and £5 from every meal went to safeguarding the Waverley and her future. Within the Osprey Suite venue, John McNulty had brought along and displayed two of his outstanding models: Jeanie Deans and King George V brought gasps of delight from the assembled members and there was lots of enthusiastic discussion with John about their details and his modelling methods.
Paul Semple, Waverley Excursions General Manager, gave a comprehensive overview of the success of the Waverley Boiler Appeal and some very up-to-date views from inside James Watt Dock, Greenock where preparatory dismantling work is making good progress in readiness for the fitting of new equipment and especially the new boilers.
Captain Chris Spencer followed the meal with a very enthusiastic and energetic view of his career at sea, making a last minute decision to accept a Deck Cadet position instead of his planned Engineering Cadetship and working through a variety of roles and projects which culminated with his time as Master on Waverley.
An overall excellent day, resulting in a further £350 being donated to PS Waverley - the last coastal cruising excursion steamer in the UK and the last Sea-Going Paddle Steamer in the world!
Thanks are extended to all who supported the event, to all at Loch Katrine, the Commodore Inn, Waverley Excursions, PSPS Scottish Branch, who had a significant number of members present at the dinner, and to the CCA Scottish Branch Committee who all worked hard to make it a successful event.
