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The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer made her first public sailing from Newhaven since the 1980s on Tuesday 22 September—just ten days before the 80th anniversary of her launch.

Paddle Steamer Waverley left Newhaven Harbour at 10.30am with a full complement of passengers for a memorable cruise along the Sussex coast and across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Her long-awaited return was a special occasion for Newhaven and another important demonstration of the port’s ability to welcome excursion vessels and smaller, distinctive cruise ships.

Newhaven Harbour Master, Captain Stephen Tindale, Harbour Newhaven Port, said, “Welcoming PS Waverley back to Newhaven after an absence of more than four decades was a proud moment for the port and the town.

"She is an extraordinary part of Britain’s maritime heritage, and seeing her sail from Newhaven with a full complement of passengers was a wonderful sight.

"This visit demonstrates as well that Newhaven has the berthing facilities, operational expertise and outstanding location needed to support passenger excursions and calls by smaller, select cruise ships and we are working to attract more ships into Newhaven.

"With the South Downs, Seven Sisters and the historic and cultural attractions of East Sussex close at hand, Newhaven is exceptionally well placed to serve as a gateway to the county.”

PS Waverley was launched on 2 October 1946 and entered passenger service the following year. Now approaching her 80th anniversary, she remains the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer in operation.

Owned by a registered charity and operated on a not-for-profit basis, PS Waverley underwent a major £7 million heritage rebuild in two phases, completed in 2000 and 2003. Passengers can still watch her powerful triple-expansion steam engine at work and see the paddles turning through viewing portholes. Seeing, and hearing her engines as she sails, is a wonderful reminder of the Golden Age of Steam and Steamships.

Her Newhaven departure followed another landmark passenger-ship visit earlier this year. In April, the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer became the first cruise ship to call at Newhaven in more than ten years.

Together, the two visits demonstrate Newhaven’s potential to support a growing programme of specialist cruise calls and coastal excursions while bringing visitors directly into East Sussex.

We hope to welcome her again in 2027!