THIS week marks the start of a poetry quest which will be running until the end of the 2016 season.

The romance and nostalgia evoked by cruising aboard the historic Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water have long been remarked upon by thousands of passengers over the years. So much so that the crew now feel that visitors should have a poetic outlet to describe the wonderful sailing experience provided by this unique vessel.

Bill King, Gondola Operations Manager explained: "When we ask people what they love about Gondola, it is evident that their cruise is very special to them in different ways. Passenger comments are often wistful and poetic and it seems that we should provide a creative opportunity for them to tell us about their personal Gondola journey."

The poetry quest is being kick-started on June 18 by Geraldine Green, Writer-in-Residence at Brantwood House, former home of John Ruskin.

Local poet Geraldine said: “What a gift for writers, to spend the morning, sailing down Coniston Water on the Steam Yacht Gondola, enjoying spectacular views of the Coniston Fells, absorbed with peering down underwater, or hearing the sound of a swan’s wings beating as it rises up from the lake, or imagining the Gondola’s own Phoenix-like story, rising not from fire but from water, I feel a poem coming on already! And I know I’m speaking on behalf of my writing group when I say we are all thrilled by our upcoming adventure!’’

The Gondola team would like to send out a request to all passengers past and present, tourists and locals alike to put their Gondola experience in a poem. The team will share poetry with the writers full permission on their website and social media channels and look at other ways submissions could potentially be showcased for the 2017 season.

Writers who submit a poem will be entered into a free prize draw to win a ‘Steam and Cream’ experience , giving them a taste of life as a crew member with time in the engine room and helm as well as a cream tea on board.