Monarch up for Auction

Well, this is likely to be my last entry on this blog, as Monarch is just days away from being auctioned! The auction is taking place on Saturday August 28th and will be handled by Island Auction Rooms.

It is a huge shame that she may be set to leave the Isle of Wight but the time has come for her to move onto pastures new. The Monarch has been a huge success on the island, but personal circumstances have changed and we would only be able to run a weekend, charter only service from 2011 and our aim has always been to ensure that everybody (no matter how much money they have) can enjoy the boat on a daily basis. Paddle steamers aren't elitist, and they need to be used regularly to let them earn their keep-hence we took the sad decision to send her to the auction.

Below, you will see the information copied from the pre sale information sheet-if we can be of any assistance to potential bidders-just get in touch. We will be running the usual service up until Friday 27th-so you need to be quick and grab your space early!!


Pre Sale Information:

The Monarch is known throughout the world as the smallest paddle steamer in commercial use, and is one of just three examples in British waters to date.

The vessel is powered by a diagonally mounted, compound reciprocating engine which is supplied with steam by a horizontal, shell and tube boiler built for oil firing. The working pressure of the engine is between 130-160 psi, with the maximum boiler pressure set at 180 psi. The boiler is inspected by a independent examiner, and has full hydraulic and steam test certificates as well as metal certificates for all materials used in its construction.

The feathering paddle wheels are of steel construction and have adjustable nylon bearings which are lubricated and cooled by river/sea water.

Also on board is a Paguro 3000 diesel electric generator, powering the Riello oil burner, electric circulating pump, lighting and 12v supplies as well as having ample capacity for the use of power tools or ancillary equipment.

A full ultrasonic survey has been carried out on the vessel (results overleaf) and it is currently fitted with a full compliment of zinc anodes.

The hull has been sandblasted and treated with several layers of zinc based primer, bitumastic covering and finally antifoul.

Boiler Work

Monarch’s boiler is a double pass, dryback, shell and tube design. The pressure vessel was re tubed by Peter Phillips, of Chatham Steam, in 2008 and in 2009 the dryback casing was renewed and the refractory recast by engineers at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. A new pressure relief valve was fitted in 2010, with the secondary valve being overhauled and tested.

A steam powered, auxiliary boiler feed pump was installed in 2009 and rests on a bracket mounted between the dryback casing and steam dome.

Engine Work

The engine has been overseen by Len Pullinger, senior engineer of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. In its time on the Isle of Wight, the valve gear die blocks have been machined, valve travel set correctly and cylinders and pistons fully inspected. An additional drain point has been installed in the LP reception chamber to assist with cold starting.

Crosshead and slide bar lubrication has been converted to oil from grease and is supplied by 6 wick fed oilers originally used on the PS Ryde’s triple expansion engine.

When undertaking work to repair the condensers upper raw water baffle, the economizer assembly was also inspected and a relief valve installed to prevent the feed water system from overheating should a fault occur. This failsafe has been used once, when seaweed clogged the raw water intake and allowed the crew to work on the issue without alarm.

Performance

Monarch cruises at around 6 knots, which equates to approx 42 rpm. The boiler uses 2.5 US Gallons per hour and currently burns red diesel; Monarch’s bunkers hold 40 gallons of fuel under the foredeck.

Whilst designed as a river/lake steamer, she has been used against strong tides with success, notably the River Tamar and the chain ferry crossing on the River Medina.

The vessel is transported easily by road, craning and haulage has always been carried out by Kingswell Heavy Haulage whilst based on the Island, and they have a good knowledge Monarch’s requirements.

The vessel is steered hydraulically and has an emergency tiller arm. The steering pump has recently been overhauled and performs well.

The Paguro generator has benefitted from a new alternator set and has been upgraded to 4kva from 3. It is raw water cooled and serviced annually by Brent Marine based in Newport Harbour.

Television

Monarch is to be featured on the Edwardian Farm, the follow on series to the popular Victorian Farm, in mid December on BBC2. She will also be featured on BBC’s Country Tracks and has been a firm favourite of ITV Meridian Tonight who filmed a short documentary on the vessels renovation.

Being such a rarity, Monarch is often in demand by filming companies who are attracted by her ability to be transported easily to any part of the country.

Join the Jolly Young Watermen

We have recently been described by a well known New Zealand critic, Kurt Ganzl, as the Jolly Young Watermen of the Monarch. For those of you who don't know the words to this little ditty-here they are:

And did you not hear of a jolly young waterman,
Who at Blackfriar's Bridge used for to ply;
And he feather'd his oars with such skill and dexterity
Winning each heart and delighting each eye;
He look'd so neat and row'd so steadily,
The maidens all flock'd in his boat so readily,
And he eyed the young rogues with so charming an air,
He eyed the young rogues with so charming an air,
That this jolly young waterman ne'er was in want of a fare.

What sights of fine folks he oft row'd in his wherry,
'Twas clean'd out so nice and so painted withal:
He always first oars when the fine city ladies,
In a party to Ranelagh went, or Vauxhall:
And often times they would be giggling and jeering,
But 'twas all one to Tom their gibing and jeering;
For loving or liking he little did care,
For loving or liking he little did care;
For this jolly young waterman ne'er was in want of a fare.

And yet, but to see how strangely things happen,
As he row'd along, thinking of nothing at all,
He was ply'd by a damsel so lovely and charming
That she smiled, and so straightway in love he did fall;
And would this young damsel but banish his sorrow,
He'd wed her tonight before tomorrow;
And how should this waterman ever know care,
And how should this waterman ever know care
When he's married and never in want of a fare.

Anyhow, onto more mundane matters, tides are getting quite late for next week, so Monday there will be a sailing at 1700, but Tuesday and Wednesday there will not be a sailing. The rest of the week is as follows...

Thursday, 1000
Friday, 1100
Saturday, 1100
Sunday, 1130

So join us, the jolly young watermen for a cruise on the jolly Monarch!

The Skip

Monarch on the Tamar

Joshua Preston of Calstock Ferry

Monarch and the wonderful Calstock Viaduct

Join us on the water in the sunshine!!

Wow it's hot, we're melting in the wheelhouse and engine room at the moment! Come and join us this weekend at 11.00 for a steam down the Medina and take a seat on the cool and relaxing aft deck whilst we drift past the lovely scenery of the upper Medina!

Monarch Back on Island

After a wonderful week in the lovely village of Calstock in Cornwall, Monarch has returned to home waters to once again 'do her thing'!
Call 01983 290124 to hear the current timetable.

The Skip

Here's our girl being loaded onto the trailer by our favourite haulier Robby Kingswell...if you ever find yourself in a position to move a paddle steamer-he's your man!
Anyhow, the Monarch is now on her way and we'll update you just as soon as we can....TTFN

Monarch on Holiday

Monarch is due to be lifted out of the water today and will be heading down to Cornwall very shortly. I will meet her on Monday and take her up the Tamar to her holiday cottage in Calstock, where she will be the first paddle steamer to visit in 80 years!
Monarch will return to the Isle of Wight just after the Bank Holiday.

Catch you soon,

The Skip

Updates

Just as a reminder-Monarch is on her holidays from May 24th-June 1st and there will obviously be no Medina sailings during this time.

Last Saturday, the third annual Riverfest took place. It was the first event hosted by the Footprint Trust-and they provided some wonderful entertainment, stalls and activities for everybody. Newport Harbour looked really festive and fun and everybody involved should give themselves a pat on the back for coming together in such a short space of time.

The marshalls counted 4,100 visitors to the quay during the day, which isn't too bad....but next year it will be even bigger!!

We're working hard to make sure that Monarch is in tip top condition to make her transit up the Tamar and have replaced all of the engine gaskets, overhauled the pumps and finally got around to making my wheelhouse habitable again!! Many thanks to John Little for his carpentry skills and Len for overseeing the mechanical bits.

So, without wanting to tempt fate (.....yes, the Portsmouth fiasco is still ringing in my mind!) I think next weeks trip to Cornwall should be a good 'un.

When we're back, I'll post all of the Tamar photos on here-I imagine she'll look spectacular there.

The Skip

Monarch to Visit Cornwall

Monarch will be away in Cornwall from May 24th-June 1st for a private charter. We are delighted that once there, we will be able to offer a very limited public service between May 28-29th with help from the Calstock Ferry Service. Bookings need to be made through the Tamar Valley AONB Office, or by emailing tamarbookings@medinamonarch.co.uk.

We're working very hard at the moment, not only to arrange Monarch's excursion, but also for our part in the Riverfest. This will be a great family event happening on May 15th on Newport Quay-we will arrive in flotilla with other steam boats and the magnificent tall ships operated by the Little Brig Trust.

See you there!

The Skip

First Sailing of 2010

We are delighted to welcome the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society aboard for our first available public sailing of 2010. The first group will depart from Gridiron Pontoon at 1030 to view the progress of the PS Ryde removal program. This will be an emotional trip for many as so much hard work has gone into trying to save this vessel over the years.

Passengers can find the pontoon by entering Red Funnel's East Cowes marshaling yard and walking down the passageway at the chain ferry end of the site. Please be aware that instructions have been issued to the organiser not to allow any person access to the pontoon until given instructions by a member of the crew.

We very much look forward to seeing you all!

The Skip

2010 Timetable Available Now

I am happy to say that the majority of the 2010 timetable is now available at: www.medinamonarch.co.uk

Do make a point of coming to join us this year-if the weather boffins are correct about this summer...it will be a cracking time to get out on the water here on the Isle of Wight!

2010....The New Season Cometh!!

What a winter it has been!!!! I can report that there has been no painting, frenetic activity or maintenance achieved on the boat, apart from pumping out the bilges and clearing snow from the decks....at the end of the day what else could have been done!
Not only has the dreadful weather stopped any meaningful work on the boat, but it has also crippled me. Yes...I slipped on the ice like an old lady and have broken my arm. Could someone who drives up and down a river on an eccentric little paddle steamer enjoy an everyday, simple fracture? Not on your Nelly!! I have snapped the top bone in my arm (Humerus) and very nearly had to go and have, what sounded like, horrendously draconian and painful surgery! Thankfully for me, I have cheated the surgeons knife and live to tell the tale.

Over the next few weeks, we are determined to get the mahogany foredeck laid and install the new boiler feed pump which will further remove our reliance on the auxiliary layshaft (seen at 90 degrees to the crankshaft). Other than that, it is boiler test time again soon and once complete and fully certified for another years steaming will will get on with what we do best and get the old girl chugging along again.

Happy New Year!!

The Skip