More than 100 people were on board TSS Earnslaw on Wednesday night, to celebrate the launch of a book nine months in the making.
Queenstown author Jenny McLeod thanked those who had helped take the 100-page TSS Earnslaw: Celebrating 100 Years 1912-2012 hard-covered book from a dream to a reality. She paid particular tribute to the many people who had shared their stories.
"When Scott [Conway] and I were first commissioned to do this book, we said ... 'How are we going to fill 80 pages about an old boat?
'"As we got into it, we realised that it was a lot more than just an old boat. The Earnslaw really did take on a life of her own."
Ms McLeod said the passion for Earnslaw was evident from all of those who had stories to tell, resulting in the book quickly going from 80 pages to 100.
The passion was particularly evident through the work of Olive, Lady Hutchins, and her husband Les, who bought the steamship in 1969 and turned it into a tourist attraction.
Since then there had been a "huge commitment" by Real Journeys, formerly Fiordland Travel, and significant financial investment to ensure the vessel remained in good condition, Ms McLeod said.
"She looks every bit as elegant as she did in 1912."
Both Ms McLeod and Mr Conway paid tribute to the Lakes District Museum and Real Journeys for their support and assistance.
Real Journeys international sales manager Tony McQuilkin said the book launch was an appropriate way to begin the Earnslaw centenary celebrations and the book was "a fine example of local professionalism, local collaboration with local pride ... creating something we're especially proud of."
