A familiar sight, the steam yacht Gondola is about to undergo maintenance after a summer season plying the waters of Coniston.
Originally built in 1859 by the Furness Railway Company as an attraction for tourists, the restored yacht is a popular attraction carrying passengers from Coniston on tours from the village.
Last winter most of the port side or the yacht as replaced with new timber from Douglas fir.
The beating heart of Gondola, the steam engine and boiler will undergo servicing involving the removal of the engine casing.
It’s estimated over 60 pieces of wood from the boat – including steps and window frames – are removed, checked, sanded and varnished, while anti-slip strips added where required during the maintenance.
The National Trust say the vessel will be back in service in April 2025.
