We were very pleased to assist Ulverston 'Steamers' Ltd once again in moving their restoration project MV Western Belle from her temporary berth at Maryport to Liverpool, where her hull and decks will be renovated by Mersey Heritage Ltd. MV Western Belle is a 1930s vintage passenger ferry that plied the waters of Plymouth Harbour for many years, followed by periods of work at Dartmouth and on the Thames. pyd brought her around from London to Maryport last year, via Land's End, which required careful handling in the open sea for a vessel with relatively low freeboard.
On the latest occasion Western Belle seemed to have a charmed life, as she survived unscathed when the lock gate at Maryport Marina was breached during a fierce gale and tidal surge a few days prior to her departure. Many of the yachts moored in the marina were badly damaged but Western Belle was tucked against the wall and was missed by the rush of incoming water.
The passage to Liverpool down the Irish Sea was carried out by a select pyd crew during a short period of settled weather and her twin Sabre engines behaved impeccably all the way, never missing a beat, which does credit to the maintenance team from Ullswater 'Steamers' Ltd who looked after her at Maryport. We understand that she will be returned direct from the Mersey to Ullswater for her final refit before a ceremonial re-launch by Christmas of 2010. We very much look forward to being there for the occasion!