Free rides on the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamer

The Medina Monarch is the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamer and one of only three passenger carrying steamers in the UK. And Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is delighted to announce she will be giving free rides (weather permitting!) to visitors at the Celebration of Steam on 9th and 10th May 2009.

From the River Medina on the Isle of Wight, this 42ft long beauty holds up to 12 passengers and weighs approximately 10 tonnes. She was built 25 years ago and houses a 100 year-old engine which was originally used to pump tar. She is powered by steam and paddle power alone and visitors will be able to view the entire engine room and speak with the crew. She will be craned out of the Medina on the Isle of Wight onto a low loader and then shipped across to the Historic Dockyard via the Wightlink Car Ferry.

Tickets for the Celebration of Steam event cost adults: £12, concessions: £10, family (up to 5 people, maximum of 2 adults/seniors): £36. They include entrance to all attractions on site: HMS Warrior 1860, HMS Victory, Mary Rose, Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations (excludes Harbour Tours).