On 11th December the paddle steamer
Kingswear Castle left the Medway, under tow (by the tug
Christine) bound for the river Dart, where she was built in 1924 and plied her trade running river trips, until 1965. She made good progress down channel in good conditions. With strong southerly winds forecast, she put into Portland Harbour to shelter until 18th, when she left to complete the final leg across Lyme Bay, arriving at Dartmouth in the afternoon.
She will undergo her usual winter refit, then start undertaking river trips at Easter. KC has been chartered for 15 years to the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company who have great experience in operating boats/river trips, expertise in operating and maintaining steam engines and excellent repair and maintenance facilities to keep the ship in good order.
Kingswear Castle will continue to be owned by PSPS. All major works on her will be done in consultation with the society.
She may not be changed or modified without the societys' consent.
Being based at Dartmouth, she will be much closer to the Bristol Channel area enabling many of us to take a trip on this wonderful little paddler.
 |
| Kingswear Castle moored at Dartmouth. Photo courtesy of Chris Jones (channelimages.com) |
 |
| Girl Class tug Christine pictured on the Medway - May 2010 |
