Steamship Shieldhall Jane All at Sea, Jane Austen and her Nautical Connections, Trip to Portsmouth and Merchant Navy Day Service

Join the Shieldhall team as we pay homage to our celebrated local writer Jane Austen, to mark the 250th anniversary of her birthday. Water parties and yachting was a favourite pastime during Jane’s time in Southampton and she took trips to Hythe and Netley, which we will pass on our cruise. Her landlord, the marquis of Lansdowne almost drowned when his catamaran capsized, whilst the Lance family yacht also foundered! Relive some of Jane’s trips as we head to Portsmouth Harbour, where we will recount Jane’s brothers’ Charles and Frank’s naval connections, with both rising to the position of Admiral. Jane’s father George was a rector of Deane and Steventon in Hampshire, and we will be joined on board by the Shieldhall Padre for a short service to mark Merchant Navy Day, to which all are welcome.Shieldhall will initially steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Arvia and Queen Anne - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Then heading east, Shieldhall will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy - an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth.Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!