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C G N Summer Timetable
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see timetable index for Summer 2002 timetables |
to any of the eight paddle steamers although the condition of MPV Helvétie is giving cause for concern and will be 'laid-up' for at least the 2002 and 2003 seasons (see also feature report) The  has already
announcedthat they will not confirm their previous proposal to convert the remaining three motor paddle vessels to steam power until after they have evaluated all aspects of the converted PS Montreux in service following the summer of 2001 (timetabled sailings) and the autumn/winter of 2001-02 (charter sailings) as well as commissioning of the direct control of the engines from the bridge |
The company has had to make a saving of 1,000,000 SF on its operational budget for 2002 The information below may be only part of the necessary economies to stem the mounting losses on some parts of the CGN timetabled operation watch this space for details of any further economies The 1963 built  MV Henry-Dunant has been in works for a new engine and a major re-build with fitting out to a much higher standard It is to play a more active role during the whole 2002 season and is planned to alternate with PS Savoie on the two-day roster (traditionally operated by two of the smaller motor paddle vessels) This will release  MPV Vevey with its more attractive open deck space to operate an augmented selection of short Geneva based sailings both non-landing and to Yvoire (France) during the early and late Summer instead of the mainly enclosed MV Ville-de-Genève The small 1960 built  ML ColVert has also been in works for a new engine and a major re-build with heating and limited catering also fitting out to a much higher standard The motor launch is will take over the short 'one-hour' Croisière des Belles Rives Genevoises from Geneva Mont Blanc and Jardin Anglais piers during the Summer including an extra early evening cruise It is also expected to take over the Montreux-Le Bouveret ferry service throughout next winter unfortunately this may reduce the number of occasions the smaller motor paddle vessels are called out to operate the Lausanne to Evian-les-Bains ferry service instead of the regular motor vessel It is now planned that the recently re-built 98 year old  PS Montreux will concentrate mainly on the successful private charter sailings which kept the paddle steamer in continous service from the end of the until 6th January 2002 but with peak-Summer appearances on timetabled sailings between 30th June and 1st September 2002 (albeit operating at a slightly slower speed than last year) Never-the-less it is still expected that four of the remaining seven paddle steamers will be planned to join the oldest member of the fleet and operate regular daily timetabled rosters throughout the peak-summer tourist season (30th June to 1st September) It is also expected that the smaller more economical  MV Ville-de-Genève will play a more active role during the 2002 peak-season, despite her limited deck-space - probably on the Lausanne to Evian-les-Bains 'ferry service' (during 2001 she was unusually on standby at Lausanne-Ouchy, with her normal Geneva based roster covered by PS Rhône) It had been reported that the Lausanne - Evian-les-Bains 'ferry'  MV Leman might be converted to 'tourist standards' with a view to regular long-term use as such (although the motor ferry remained unaltered during 2002) |
Regular timetabled sailings should again be supported by a 'comprehensive programme' of special evening dance, fireworks, etc. cruises - details still to be announced These are expected to include a programme of 70/80/90s Disco cruises in May Jazz cruises in July some of which may be operated by a paddle steamers However, it was announced at the end of 2001 that there will be NO salsa cruises during 2002 following complaints of excessive noise, especially in the narrow part of the 'Little Lake' If YOU have any further information, please e-mail me |
2nd June 2002
e-mail:john@rhos.screaming.net
(c)1999-2002
John B Bird