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CENTENARY PROGRAMME Real Journeys has planned a programme of centenary events from October 14-22, 2012 to mark the TSS Earnslaw's 100th birthday. Highlights are: • October 18 Official Birthday Featuring a re-enactment of the maiden passenger voyage from Kingston to Queenstown with options of a return cruise from Queenstown to Kingston, cruise from Queenstown to Kingston and coach back to Queenstown, or coach from Queenstown to Kingston and cruise back to Queenstown. Enjoy a continuous brunch, music and other entertainment. Staff will be dressed in period costume in keeping with the historic occasion. • October 20 The Woolshed Party, Mount Nicholas Station! Cruise to Mount Nicholas Station on the far shores of Lake Wakatipu for a special 100th birthday bash including live band and entertainment in the woolshed. • October 21 High Country Station Cruises Queenstown to Glenorchy, trace the historical freight and mail routes followed by the TSS Earnslaw on its way to the Head of the Lake and Glenorchy. Enjoy the 1900s theme with entertainment, morning/afternoon tea and historians on board. Other cruises throughout the centenary week include: • Frankton Arm Special Cruises • Frankton Arm Seniors' Cruise • Glenorchy Residents' Cruise • TSS Earnslaw Staff Reunion Further information: www.tssearnslaw.co.nz steamer carried almost 37,000 passengers, but by 1968 there was a serious decline in numbers and the Government talked of scuttling her. However, a syndicate of young Auckland men stepped in and chartered her for $1 from New Zealand Railways with a view to saving and eventually purchasing her. But in spite of their fervour they could not make the venture work and at the end of 1969 the TSS Earnslaw was chartered by Les and Olive Hutchins of Fiordland Travel Ltd who were well known in the tourist industry as the founders of the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company. Since 1970 Fiordland Travel, rebranded as Real Journeys in 2002, has committed to retaining TSS Earnslaw as a heritage steamship, and in spite of some modifications following the company's outright purchase of her in 1982, she remains largely unchanged since the day she was launched in 1912. Today she runs regular daily trips across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak high country resort carrying more than 150,000 passengers a year. The company has a costly 25 year rolling maintenance programme in place. Every second year the vintage steamer is placed on the purpose-built slip at Kelvin Heights for a detailed inspection. The 1893 boiler and engine from the Lake Wakatipu steamer Antrim, was installed on the slipway in 1922 as haulage for TSS Earnslaw, and remains in remarkable working condition today. It is used to power the slipway winch to haul Earnslaw and is oldest boiler surveyed by Lloyds of London. The 2012 survey, carried out over eight weeks earlier this year, saw an even greater investment in the heritage steamer to mark her 100th birthday. Real Journeys Earnslaw and Walter Peak Operations Manager Angus Small, said the company wanted to ensure the boat was in prime condition for the centenary celebrations. "A few years ago we looked at what is required to future proof the TSS Earnslaw, and we have a replacement programme in place. As well as a total overhaul of the engines and boilers which is done annually, the starboard shaft was removed for inspection and one of the crankshafts was overhauled. This had to be lifted out by crane and was a major job." There was also the unforeseen replacement of 50 year old steel plating below the lower deck. "When we removed the decking timber to install new flooring on the lower deck we discovered the plating was more corroded than we anticipated and much of it had to be replaced," said Small. Among other improvements, timber on the foredeck was replaced and new foredeck handrails fitted. Saloon seats were reupholstered and the steamer underwent a comprehensive interior and exterior paint job. The main contractor for the 2012 survey was Gough Bros of Invercargill, and Real Journeys CEO Richard Lauder paid tribute to the 80-100 staff and contractors involved in their extensive overhaul, which was undertaken seven days a week for eight weeks, before the vessel's return to service on Lake Wakatipu in July. "We have pulled out all stops and the TSS Earnslaw has resumed her tourist duties with a smart new image and appearance. We are very proud of the high standard that has been achieved by everyone involved in the refurbishment." TSS Earnslaw has been classified by the Queenstown Lakes District Council as a category one heritage artefact, the first boat in New Zealand to be afforded long-term protection through a district plan, highlighting the regard she is held in as a national tourism icon. 24 Professional Skipper September/October 2012 VIP.PS899 S