July 2026

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With an imminent sailing ahead of us we managed to cram another 3 tonnes of coal into the bunkers and made preparations for our attendance at the Royal Port of Barrow Festival of The Sea – an extravaganza of various vessels to be held at the Port on 8th and 9th August. This was to be our longest voyage for a considerable number of years, putting the vessel beyond our usual shore-hugging trips of recent times. As well as ensuring that we had all the requisite life-jackets and life rafts aboard, the vessel carries navigation and auto-distress equipment. We did however consider that this equipment was in need of an appropriate upgrade, and to this end in the week leading up to our planned trip Messrs Robbins Marine Electronics supplied and fitted a Raymar Axion Pro9 radar and navigation system to the vessel. We extend our grateful thanks to Gary Done of Robbins Marine who not only fitted the equipment, but ‘volunteered’ to accompany us on the trip to demonstrate its use and functions to our navigators. As is usual, furnaces were lit several days ahead of sailing, that was planned for the last week of July. Unfortunately, the sea and weather conditions were not favourable, so as we had raised steam in anticipation of the trip, we had the opportunity to carry out successful along-side engine trials to test out the HP piston rings and the General Service pumps which had been worked upon. After some final painting work, the paint cans were stowed in our container together with other gear not required for our forthcoming voyage. Fingers remained crossed that the weather would improve. Thankfully, it did just that and at 3.30am on Sunday 1st August the good ship Kerne with 8 hardy souls aboard cleared our berth in Sandon Dock and locked out into the Mersey for the 10-hour voyage to Barrow. Suffice to say the voyage was successful, Kerne arriving at the lock in Barrow at 1.30pm on Sunday 1st August and will lie over in readiness for next weekend’s festivities. The Royal Port of Barrow Festival of The Sea will take place on Sat/Sun 8/9 August and is open to the public between 11am to 5pm each day. During the opening hours, visitors are welcome aboard Kerne, one of the very few remaining coal-fired steam ships in operation, where they will have the rare opportunity to go below to our Engine Room to view the 1912 Lidgerwood Triple Expansion Steam Engine and Boiler Room containing our coal-fired Twin Furnace Marine Scotch Boiler. In addition, other vessels, tours and attractions will complete the entertainment.

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