AN iconic Windermere Lake Cruises vessel turns 70 years old this summer.

Originally built for use as a pleasure craft on the River Thames in 1949 by Watercraft of Molesey in 1949, ‘Queen of the Lake’ has been a permanent resident of Windermere ever since, leaving the lake only once in that time – sailing back to London to represent Cumbria in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant for HRH The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Queen of the Lake’s Royal connections don’t stop there, however. Just two years prior to the Jubilee, Prince Charles sailed on her during one of his regular Royal visits to Windermere.

Jennifer Cormack, sales and marketing director at Windermere Lake Cruises, who presented Queen of the Lake crew members Colin Greatorex and Dave Windsor with a special 70th birthday cake this week, said: “While Queen of the Lake is one of our smaller boats, she’s certainly no-less iconic than any of our larger ‘steamers’.

"She’s very much a highlight of Windermere Lake Cruises’ history and has certainly seen more than her fair share of adventures.”

Skipper, Colin Greatorex, said: “I’ve been Queen of the Lake’s Skipper for nine years now and I tell our passengers every day that this year is her 70th birthday. Although I’ve skippered many different boats of all sizes over the years, I much prefer the smaller wooden launches and especially this particular boat because she’s got real character."

At full capacity, the 13 tonne Queen of the Lake can carry 84 Passengers and a crew of two.

Queen of the Lake isn’t the only boat from Windermere Lake Cruises’ fleet celebrating a milestone year in 2019, with ‘Sunflower II’ – another traditional wooden launch also turning 70 this summer; while ‘Silverholme’ celebrates 50 years on the water.