Boats are not directly an item that you encounter in 'your' Auto Motor Klassiek, but we believe that a so-called 'Paddle Steamer' from 1937 should be given a fair chance in its aftermath. After the ship that was christened in 1937 Ryde and since then maintained the crossing from the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth, came out of active service in 1966, it was purchased by a dance and nightclub operator and converted into a floating attraction.
Unfortunately, that operator went bankrupt, the ship has since fallen into disrepair. Partly due to a fire. It has been moored for several years in the local harbor, the Island Harbor Marina in the River Medina between East Cowes and Newport. The bankruptcy trustee is now looking for a scrap yard who makes an offer for this elderly vessel. That must be avoided and that is why we bring this drama to your attention. The ship, one of the last, is therefore in British inland waterways and must be towed. For further information, view the website www.psryde.co.uk. Do not wait too long, because before you know it, you can only enjoy pictures of this elderly person… And for the most part, you will not make it by just tipping up….