Great to hear from you! WLIII (now 'The Fairmile') is operational back in Torbay under new owners in case you don't know. WLIV is based in Cornwall under private ownership. Isn't it brilliant that they both continue to survive and are fully operational.
We had to go to more power on the way back as a German man (Tourist) hit he's head on the superstructure, despite the warning about crossing the bar (where the sea and the river meets) being a bit choppy. She rose out of the water and showed the people on board her true colours. You have to avoid all those lobster bouys. Fast lady in a classy way. I hope that Jack is still around as he is a nice man. Uncle Jack to my ex wifes family. He lived up in the Brixham hills.
Western Lady III (sister to IV) has now been acquired by Greenway Ferry who will be using her for their River Dart excursions out of Torbay starting in a few weeks time. She has come 'home'!
I'm sorry to be a nerd but this video was shot from WL4 as WL3 is seen going the other way. The clue is she has the top half of her mast painted white (see it against dark land background 7 minutes 10 seconds in). WL4 has a totally brown mast. DOCTOR MIKE, TORQUAY
All nerds welcome! I'm fully aware of the mast thing and I'll take a closer look at the original of the video (which is much better quality of course). You may well be right - watch this space. Thanks for looking in any case.
Okay, I concede defeat. It is III going the other way so yes the video must have been shot from IV and yes it is John at the helm which thinking about it does make it pretty conclusive.
My grandfather was the motor mechanic on this ship back during the war, when she was serving as RML 497. I was surprised to find it was still afloat - thanks for posting this video so that I can see it for myself!
Saw her today at Rye. The launch looks completely different now – all the aft superstructure has been removed, and lots of other changes amidships.
pressforaction 5 months ago
Under Jack Chivers I had control of WL from Brixham to the Dartmouth bar. She is a great vessel and the memory will last forever.
Beautiful to control and a great honour to have the helm of an historic little ship. Long may they float.
Seal00754 1 year ago
Great to hear from you! WLIII (now 'The Fairmile') is operational back in Torbay under new owners in case you don't know. WLIV is based in Cornwall under private ownership. Isn't it brilliant that they both continue to survive and are fully operational.
radiosteve999 1 year ago
We had to go to more power on the way back as a German man (Tourist) hit he's head on the superstructure, despite the warning about crossing the bar (where the sea and the river meets) being a bit choppy. She rose out of the water and showed the people on board her true colours. You have to avoid all those lobster bouys. Fast lady in a classy way. I hope that Jack is still around as he is a nice man. Uncle Jack to my ex wifes family. He lived up in the Brixham hills.
Seal00754 1 year ago
i luv the western lady and then she left but its come back now and is gunna be called the fair mile so thats kl
shaunrules27 2 years ago
I remember going on her in the early seventies. What a shame she has gone. All the best things are taken away!!
dod4luce 2 years ago
There is some good news actually!
Western Lady III (sister to IV) has now been acquired by Greenway Ferry who will be using her for their River Dart excursions out of Torbay starting in a few weeks time. She has come 'home'!
radiosteve999 2 years ago
great news, but I will miss seeing her going over the bay, she was a huge part of Torbay for me!!!
dod4luce 2 years ago
I miss the Ladies
escortmad79 3 years ago
So do I and many others.
radiosteve999 3 years ago
I'm sorry to be a nerd but this video was shot from WL4 as WL3 is seen going the other way. The clue is she has the top half of her mast painted white (see it against dark land background 7 minutes 10 seconds in). WL4 has a totally brown mast. DOCTOR MIKE, TORQUAY
parkprewet 4 years ago
All nerds welcome! I'm fully aware of the mast thing and I'll take a closer look at the original of the video (which is much better quality of course). You may well be right - watch this space. Thanks for looking in any case.
radiosteve999 4 years ago
The skipper seen at the wheel is John (Lush, I think) and he was the main man on WL4 over the last few years in TQ.
parkprewet 4 years ago
Okay, I concede defeat. It is III going the other way so yes the video must have been shot from IV and yes it is John at the helm which thinking about it does make it pretty conclusive.
I've amended the descriptive text to suit.
radiosteve999 4 years ago
John Lusher is the skipper
escortmad79 3 years ago
Skipper is John Lusher
escortmad79 3 years ago
My grandfather was the motor mechanic on this ship back during the war, when she was serving as RML 497. I was surprised to find it was still afloat - thanks for posting this video so that I can see it for myself!
gtdaquitaine 4 years ago