Shotley Sailing-Club

21/09/2026

🚢 Look out! Waverley is coming to Harwich

The iconic paddle steamer Waverley is turning 80 this year, and she’s marking the occasion with a special detour into Harwich Harbour. 💙

At around 11.15am on Thursday 24 September, the world’s last seagoing passenger paddle steamer will steam past Ha’penny Pier and Harwich Quay, flags flying and whistles sounding, as she makes her way towards London.

And there’ll be a very special welcome waiting for her. 👋

Harwich’s own heritage ship, LV18, will sound her horn in a reciprocal salute to Waverley, giving onlookers a chance to see two pieces of maritime history together in the Haven. ⚓️

So, if you’re around Harwich on Thursday morning, head down to the waterfront and look out for her. It’s not every day you get to see the world’s last passenger paddle steamer celebrating her 80th birthday right here in the Haven! 🎉

The LV18 will also be open free of charge on the day, with its new Seaside Piers on Posters exhibition celebrating Waverley’s special birthday.

📍 Ha’penny Pier & Harwich Quay
📅 Thursday 24 September
⏰ Around 11.15am

LV18 The Quay Harwich The Harwich Society
Photo credit: Jeff Welch

21/09/2026

All the places! There is a page in the website that tells you about nearly* all the venues, pubs, clubs, halls... that you need to visit over the festival.

Because they're all worth it. 🎶🍻⚓

Shanty points (of an ephemeral nature) for anyone who knows where these places are...👇🏼👇🏼

(*a few updates to come)

20/09/2026

20/09/2026

20/09/2026

Thames Sailing Barge Trust – Skipper & Mate Training Scheme
Applications now open – closing 9 October!

Want to learn traditional seamanship, handle a 100‑year‑old sailing barge, and join a dedicated volunteer crew keeping East Coast heritage alive? The Thames Sailing Barge Trust Skipper & Mate Training Scheme is now accepting applications for the 2026 intake.

This is a rare chance to train aboard historic vessels, develop practical barge‑handling skills, and progress through a structured pathway from crew to mate and eventually skipper. No prior barge experience needed — just commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

Deadline for applications: 9 October
Apply here: https://forms.gle/Lyf34tWk7cVNWXFa6

11/09/2026

A few amendments to our line-up for the Heritage Open Days maritime festivities tomorrow and Sunday. The Waterfront Ipswich

We're very excited that the sailing smacks from the Pioneer Sailing Trust and Excelsior Trust will be joining us on Orwell Quay (Pioneer Saturday only, Excelsior both days) and that Sailing Barge Victor will be on Common Quay all day Saturday and Sunday morning - meet the crews, explore these historic vessels, free!

Sadly The Sutton Hoo Ships Company will not be doing their log-splitting demos.

However, the brand new plaque to young Edward Caley, who designed the Wet Dock under the direction of Henry Palmer (which at the time of construction in 1842 was the largest in the UK) will be on display as well as the new Ipswich Trail Makers Digital Blue Plaque Trail from The Ipswich Society

And our own Ipswich Heritage Harbour trail and quiz starts from the Old Custom House and is open to anyone wanting to challenge themselves and their family and friends.

Festivities start at 11am tomorrow with the Shefarers shanty group, followed by the Shotley Wailers at 12 noon.

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