Scarborough's visitors have always enjoyed trips on the sea and even to Whitby or London in times past.
In 2015 only the 'Regal Lady' was operating and the 'Coronia' has been laid up.
The Regal Lady history can be seen here:
http://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/180/regal-lady
For information on sailing times see Scarborough pleasure cruises:
http://scarboroughpleasuresteamers.co.uk/
The full history of the Coronia can be seen at:
http://www.robertgoodwill.co.uk/history-coronia
Pictured above is the CORONIA built by Warrens of New Holland Lincolnshire and launched 4/5/1935 and named by Mrs Ellis wife of the owner John Sherrif Ellis (Jack) She was 129.9 ft in length, bredth 26 ft, and had a draught of 6ft. Powered by two National RVM6 six cylinder heavy oil engines 240 bhp each. giving her a top speed of 13.25 knots at 600 rpm. 9.75 knots at 450 rpm and 6 knots at 300rpm. Upon arrival at Scarborough she had two funnels and was certified to carry 472 passengers. The following summer she had one of her funnels removed and her capacity was increased to carry 500 passengers but kudos was lost to the New Royal Lady with two funnels the passengers favoured her.
Royal Lady (not to be mistaken for the New Royal Lady built three years later) Royal Lady was built for Thomas Round of Scarborough by J Crown and son Sunderland in 1933. Overall length 132.6, beam 24.0, depth 15.6 to promenade deck. Powered by two five cylinder Crossley diesels.
Tom Round originally a salvage man from Sunderland owner of a number of Steam trawler and drifters became almost obsessed in the battle to have the biggest fastest motor pleasure cruiser out of Scarborough. Longest, fastest most funnels, equated to most passengers. Jack Ellis took up the challenge when he had perhaps the most elegant of all built at New Holland in 1935 the 130ft Coronia.
Bilsdale was a coal burning paddle steamer built of steel in Preston as Lord Roberts by Allsups and Co for Crosthwaites and registered in Middlesborough. Her dimensions length 135ft, beam 21.4ft, depth 9.7ft her official no. was 111060.
It is likely that she worked as a harbour tug on the Tees throughout the winter and turned to the more lucrative task of pleasure cruising during the summers. She became unpopular with the visitors when Royal Lady arrived as a gleaming new vessel and 1934 was her last season.
Written by George Westwood.
Scarborough Pleasure Cruises today: http://scarboroughpleasuresteamers.co.uk/
