Waverley's last summer weekend on the Clyde for 2009

Waverley's last weekend of her summer season on the Clyde is usually a very busy one with heavy loadings for the Cowal Games on the Saturday. 2009 was no exception with a good number transported direct from Glasgow to Dunoon on Saturday morning. After unloading at Dunoon, Waverley returned to Greenock to take up her normal summer Saturday schedule, calling at Helensburgh, Dunoon (again), Rothesay and then to Tighnabruich.

For a few hours we actually saw some sun on Saturday

and we had a very pleasant passage through the Kyles of Bute.

Waverley resting at Tighnabruich pier

Waverley then retraced her steps back to Greenock and unloaded before setting out for her 4th call of the day at Dunoon to collect he passengers from the Cowal Games for the direct passge to Glasgow

Waverley sets off on the return trip to Dunoon
to load for her direct passage to Glasgow

By Sunday the rain, wind and dullness was back but a good number still set out for Lochranza - and reached it! As usual, Waverley offered a short cruise from Lochranza and the shot below is her going astern on departure from Lochranza.

Still going astern from Lochranza but
a shot which sums up the weather rather nicely

Brakes go on and then its off on the Skipness cruise

Returning to Lochranza for the last time in 2009

Back at Greenock and departing for the final leg
of the trip up to Glasgow on Sunday evening

Despite the weather, it was an enjoyable day
with some good, if lively, sailing.

Hard to believe its that time of year already - seems such a short time since we all eagerly gathered at the Science Centre for the sail to Oban which has traditionally opened the "season" for quite a few years now. Here, Waverley is prepared for her last departure from Glasgow of this summer season. At this stage you could almost kid yourself that the weather "wasn't bad".

However, by the time we were down by Greenock it was very obvious why we would not be going to Ayr and Ailsa Craig today. So it was about turn at Largs for another trip to the sheltered waters of Loch Striven and then a modified cruise for the remainder of the day with Ayr passengers from Fairlie later in the afternoon.

The 3rd of Waverley's traditional farewell blasts echo across the bay
as she leaves Largs (and the new pier) for the final time in 2009.

Departing Largs

Course set for Loch Striven!

Another photo which gives an overall impression of the sort of weather the ship, her operators and her crew have had to contend with during the promised "Barbeque Summer" which never materialised.

Here's hoping for a real Indian Summer for her October weekend sailings back on the Clyde and her sailings viewing QM2 on the 19th October - if not already booked contact Waverley Excursions

Charles McCrossan