This summer the Lake Geneva paddle steamer Savoie, built in 1914 by Sulzer, has returned to service after a major rebuild including the installation of a new boiler. Here she is pictured at Geneva in early July about to set off on the regular 12.20pm lunch cruise.
Savoie now features numerous modern devices including electric fans in the ventilating cowls to improve the circulation of air. Unfortunately on this day, one of the new fans was in need of maintenance.
The upper deck has been turned into a dining saloon, as on the Montreux, serving gourmet meals.
The main dining saloon has seen a number of changes over the years and looked rather poor in recent times. In the rebuild it has been completely transformed and restored to its original opulent elegance.
Savoie’s engine.
Savoie was the first Lake Geneva paddle steamer to acquire a bow thrust.
For details of her sailings have a look at the company’s website here.
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
