The Excelsior Steam Yachts

Are you Brave or Very Brave? Don’t be fooled by its Edwardian elegance – this steam-powered white-knuckle ride makes grown men shriek!

About the Excelsior Steam Yachts

This impressive set of 1920s steam-driven yachts is one of only two or three surviving examples of a very popular ride in Britain at the turn of the 20th century. Two ‘yachts’ swing under steam power to an almost vertical angle which, although appearing sedate from the ground, gives it a kick which makes it one of our most popular rides with thrill-seekers. Less intrepid riders can still enjoy the yachts by sitting in the central yellow seats which, due to centrifugal force, are much gentler than those marked ‘brave’ and ‘very brave’.

Here at Carters we aim to present vintage rides and attractions as authentically as possible, while maintaining high modern safety standards. The Steam Yachts (like all our rides) undergoes rigorous modern safety checks and passes an ADIPS test by an independent body every year which deems it safe to operate. To feel the thrills as the Edwardians did before us, you must hold on by putting your arms behind the bar at the back of the seat.

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Who can ride, and what does it cost?

You’ll need 1 new 2022 token to ride.

Riders must be over 1.05m tall to ride on the middle (yellow) seats, and over 1.2m tall to ride on any seat. 

A brief history of the Excelsior steam yachts

Find out more

Want to feature the fair in a video or photoshoot?

If you’d like to talk to us about hiring the fair, or about a feature for film or television, you’ll find our hire section has lots of information.

Want to find out more about our rides and fairground art?

At selected locations you can join Joby Carter for a 1 hour guided tour talking about the history of our rides and fairground art through the decades. Book tickets here.

Find your nearest fair

Excited to try out our vintage steam fair rides and attractions? Find out when Carters are visiting a location near you.