
News / Transport
Appeal to keep historic Bristol ship afloat
Trustees of the Balmoral have launched an urgent appeal to keep the historic ship afloat in 2017.
The ship, which was built in 1949 and is a member of the National Historic Fleet, has a revenue shortfall of more than £300,000 after a poor 2016 season.
The Balmoral, which was restored two years ago, runs day excursions around the coasts of England and Wales.
is needed now More than ever
In a letter to supporters director Andrew Jardine said: ” The 2016 season has been difficult. We have been hit by a combination of poor peak-season weather and a number of untypical technical issues and have lost over a quarter of our scheduled season’s sailings as a result.
He added that there are now “insufficient funds” for her to return to service in 2017 and has launched a public appeal to save her.
“If Balmoral does not sail in 2017 it is unlikely she will do so again and a major asset to local communities and opportunities and experiences for the general public will be lost.”
Read more: Balmoral sets sail from dry dock