On Wednesday 24th August 1960 Princess Elizabeth was scheduled to run from Haldon Pier Torquay on the following timetable:
11am MORNING CRUISE viewing Thatcher Rock, Babbacombe, Oddicombe, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Berry Head and Brixham. Fare 4/- (£4.70 in today’s money)
2.45pm EXMOUTH and SIDMOUTH A delightful cruise viewing the glorious coastline of an ever changing scene. Passing Teignmouth, Dawlish, the River Exe, Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth. This cruise is a pleasant alternative to the River Dart, the steamer being the only vessel able to undertake this cruise from Torquay. Fare 8/6 (£9.90 in today’s money)
8.15pm This EVENING CRUISE is specially arranged to make your day complete, viewing the many scenes and illuminations of Torbay to enjoyable music. Fare 4/- (£4.70 in today’s money)
As it turned out none of these sailings took place. Princess Elizabeth spent Wednesday 24th August 1960 lying alongside Haldon Pier unable to sail due to the weather conditions.
The following day, Thursday 25th August, the weather had moderated a bit so she set off for her day trip to Lyme Regis, for an hour or so ashore, fifteen minutes late just after 11am at a fare of 16/- (£18.50 today).
Whilst the weather had moderated sufficiently for the Lizzie to sail, when she got to Lyme Regis just after 2pm it was felt that there was too much of a sea running to attempt to enter the harbour so she turned round and took her passengers back to Torquay where she arrived at 5.30pm.
She then ran her evening cruise as scheduled 8.15pm to 9.30pm.
Kingswear Castle returned to service in 2023 after the first part of a major rebuild which is designed to set her up for the next 25 years running on the River Dart. The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust is now fund raising for the second phase of the rebuild. You can read more about the rebuilds and how you can help if you can here.
John Megoran
This article was first published on 24th August 2020.
