Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape
Photo above : Courtesy of www.channelimages.com
The following press release was issued on 19th November 2007 regarding her
service for 2008 :
PS Monarch, a unique paddle steamer from
Kent is soon to arrive on the
Isle of Wight to begin a new service in and around Cowes. Not since the days of Cowes Pier has the
town
rung to the deafening sound of a steam whistle on a regular basis; but luckily
that is soon to change!
Monarch is an interesting vessel, not just because of her powerful steam engine, but mainly due to her size; at just 42 feet she is (reputedly) the smallest commercially operated paddle steamer in the world! Leisure Steam, the company which operates Monarch, is confident that a service in and around the River Medina is sure to be a success where others have struggled in the past. Matthew O’Crowley, who is one of the vessel’s skippers, says,
“The Medina is an underused resource on the Island that is massively important to our industrial and social history. The river has played host to transport ships anchored off East Medina Tidal Mill (now Island Harbour), flying boats, and hovercraft as well as being a beautiful stretch of water to enjoy. I would guess that most visitors to Cowes have never gone beyond the Folly Inn to Newport and that even fewer understand the rich history and ecology of one of the Island’s biggest stretch of inland water.”
PS Monarch is less of a sightseeing boat for the public and more of an experience in itself-there truly is nothing like being aboard a vessel such as this and many passengers forget all about the passing scenery and instead choose to be hypnotised by the fascinating engine! With a comfortable saloon and two decks, the vessel is well suited to private charters, and passengers lucky enough to secure a ticket to the famous Cowes Week Fireworks will be in for a wonderful treat.
Service will begin in April 2008, and charters are
currently being accepted.
Website : www.leisuresteam.co.uk