SOUTHAMPTON’S Regional Flagship of the Year, Steamship Shieldhall, is ready for another weekend of sailings, with trips on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

The Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steam ship in Britain –a member of the National Historic Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain's maritime heritage.

The Saturday trip takes place between 4pm – 7pm, and sees S.S Shieldhall head to the Solent, with a commentary pointing out the sights on port and starboard including Netley Castle, Royal Victoria Country Park, Hythe and the New Forest, the Esso Marine Terminal, the Rivers Itchen and Hamble, Fawley and Calshot.

On her return to berth, S.S Shieldhall will pass four departing cruise ships Aurora, Azura, Royal Princess and Independence of the Seas – always taking the chance to sound her whistle and play the S.S Shieldhall Organ.

Sunday sees S.S Shieldhall welcome on board the Shieldhall Stompers Jazz band for an American Independence Day Trip, taking place between 2pm – 6pm.

Passing down Southampton Water and then along part of the northern shore of the Isle of Wight, many of Southampton’s connections with America will be explored through the commentary, including tales of the Mayflower, the Titanic and Amelia Earhart – the American aviatrix who became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, landing on Southampton Water in June 1928.

There will be more whistle tooting as S.S Shieldhall says hello to the departing cruise ships Arcadia, Queen Elizabeth and Ventura.

Tickets and more information at: www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk.