Our Mission
Our mission is to support the preservation of the steam tugs Challenge and Portwey and to ensure they continue to operate and are open for the public to enjoy.
These tugs have been a vital part of Britain’s maritime history and are lucky to have survived for so long. Their survival has only been possible due to groups of dedicated people. We have a great team of volunteers and we of the trust intend to do all we can to support the volunteers and the tugs and to bring in the funding required to keep them running.
Trustees
Chairman: Tim
Historian: Edward Ions
Edward started volunteering on Challenge in 2021 and on top of carrying out general restoration work, operating Challenge’s engine and helping with deck work, he also gives talks on Challenge and works on recording and preserving the history of her and now Portwey as well.
Secretary: Flo McEwan
Flo is passionate about military history and is the Founder of The Maunsell Seaforts Appreciation Group so it was inevitable that she would join forces with the team as ST Challenge is the last remaining steam tug that towed the Maunsell Forts to their grounding sites. She is a published photographer and guides boat trips out to the forts including the highly popular Steam Parade trips featuring the Waverley Paddle Steamer and Challenge.
Flo’s painting skills are legendary (for all the wrong reasons!) as a result she is banned from picking up a paintbrush when on board Challenge.
Business: Russell Sawyer
Russell has long had an enthusiasm for all things steam – although sadly engineering aptitude skipped a generation from Russell’s father to his eldest son! With 30 years plus in financial services (mainly arranging insurance for spacecraft) Russell was keen to be a part of the Steamboat Trust using his skills to support in a variety of business orientated activities in support of our vessels. Whilst definitely an unskilled volunteer, Russell is happy to help on board when he can with tasks such as boiler tube cleaning, sanding and painting and even catering for guests.
