La Suisse

Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape

P.S. La Suisse (1910) : Operating Area : Lake Geneva, Switzerland

La Suisse steaming towards the Upper Lake, having just left Lausanne-Ouchy on September 11th, 2005 (seen from PS Rhone). This photo was taken prior to her 2007-09 rebuild which has changed her appearance quite considerably.

Built 1910 by Sulzer Brothers at Winterthur, Switzerland
Engines: Compound Diagonal by Sulzer. 1400 HP
Length : 78.5 metres

Entered service on 25th May, 1910
Laid up during World War II, resuming service in the 1948 season
Converted from coal to heavy oil burning fuel in 1960
Upper deck partially enclosed for the 1960 season, including removal of the rotunda.
Laid up after the 1968 season with boiler trouble. At the time there was some thought of replacing her engine with diesels.
Reboilered in 1970 and returned to service
Entrance to the main deck restaurant aft moved from the centre to the starboard side
1998/89 - converted to burn light oil
2002/03 - electrics renewed

2007 is the last season for La Suisse before she goes into dry dock for a major overhaul and she is due to return to service in the summer of 2009. The work has been partially funded by enthusiasts, particularly as a result of the ABVL (Association des Amis des Bateaux a Vapeur sur le Lac Leman) taking up a significant number of shares in the recent CGN share issues.

The scope of the work will include restoring many original features especially the upper deck rotund which was lost in 1960, replaced by a glazed saloon frontage which has always detracted from the look of the vessel. A new more traditionally-styled wheelhouse will also be fitted. Struts for removable canvas sunshades for the upper deck forward will also be fitted. The kitchen will be moved to the lower deck to allow for the constuction of a disabled toilet on the main deck.


At Lausanne-Ouchy in 1988	The entrance to the restaurant is to be resited centrally	At St Gingolph in 2000

LAKE GENEVA PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION

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