Displaying items by tag: Back in service

8th September 2020

Manx 'Ben' Backbone of Ferry Services Returns Following Fleetmates Stepping-In

Manx ferry Ben-My-Chree which provides the backbone of services returned to routine duties today following repairs to a damaged propeller. Alternative services involved fastferry Manannan along with ro-ro freight ferry Arrow (together above in Douglas) from where daily services linking Heysham, England were maintained with the backdrop of the Coronavirus (Covid-19).

Following repairs to a propeller of a Manx ferry, the Ben-My-Chree returned to service today plying on the main route linking the Isle of Man and the UK, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The ropax custom built in 1998 for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. arrived to Douglas Harbour on Sunday on completion of works at A&P Falmouth in Cornwall and successful testing of propeller and steering systems.

Ben-My-Chree re-entered the passenger and freight service of Douglas-Heysham three days ahead of schedule as the Steam-Packet already had spare propeller blades in stock.

While the Ben-My-Chree was off service the ferry firm introduced a revised timetable whereby two replacement vessels ensured duties were maintained between the Isle of Man and the Lancashire port. High-speed craft Manannan operated daily passenger ferry sailings while freighter Arrow continued to provide an essential service to the Manx capital with supplies of food and cargo against the backdrop of Covid-19.

It was during Ben-My-Chree's repositioning passage from the Isle of Man to the English south-west shipyard that drone footage captured the 22 year old ferry before arrival at the dry-dock facility.

As Afloat previously reported the IOMSPCo signed a contract for a new ferry with an Asian shipyard to replace the ageing ropax with a slightly larger ferry which is due to enter service in 2023. The new ferry is to have a higher level of onboard facilities, enhanced freight capability and be more enviromentally friendly.

According to the operator they intend to retain the 'Ben' as a reserve vessel, which is in the hands of Arrow (albeit a freight-only ro-ro ship) chartered in from Seatruck Ferries. Currently the Spanish built freighter is at anchor in Douglas Bay.

Meanwhile Manannan made manouveres in Belfast Lough this afternoon following conclusion of seasonal only routes services including Belfast Harbour but not to Dublin Port. Like all ferry operators, the key summer season was beset with Covid-19 travel restictions affecting Manx residents along with plans by holidaymakers.

Despite the troublesome season, the Isle of Man is in an extremely fortunate position of having had no active cases of Covid-19 in the Island since early June. This positive news is thanks to the remarkable efforts of the Manx people and the Isle of Man Government in addition the ability to restrict access to the island.

Access to the Isle of Man remains tightly restricted for non-residents, though according to the Steam-Packet they anticipate restrictions will be eased and look forward to welcoming visitors in 2021 when it is safe to do so noting bookings are now available through a 'Book with Confidence Commitment'. This measure is designed to provide customers with greater flexibility and peace of mind during the uncertainty caused by Covid-19.

As mentioned above Manannan's season has ceased and so the HSC will require a winter-lay-up which in recent years has taken place in Douglas Harbour where this afternoon the ferry is bound with an arrival expected to be early this evening.

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Ireland & La Solitaire du Figaro

The Solitaire du Figaro, was originally called the course de l’Aurore until 1980, was created in 1970 by Jean-Louis Guillemard and Jean-Michel Barrault.

Half a decade later, the race has created some of France's top offshore sailors, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary with a new boat equipped with foils and almost 50 skippers Including novices, aficionados and six former winners.

The solo multi-stage offshore sailing race is one of the most cherished races in French sailing and one that has had Irish interest stretching back over 20 years due to the number of Irish stopovers, usually the only foreign leg of the French race.

What Irish ports have hosted The Solitaire du Figaro?

The race has previously called to Ireland to the following ports; Dingle, Kinsale, Crosshaven, Howth and Dun Laoghaire.

What Irish sailors have raced The Solitaire du Figaro?

So far there have been seven Irish skippers to participate in La Solitaire du Figaro.

In 1997, County Kerry's Damian Foxall first tackled the Figaro from Ireland. His win in the Rookie division in DHL gave him the budget to compete again the following year with Barlo Plastics where he won the final leg of the race from Gijon to Concarneau. That same year a second Irish sailor Marcus Hutchinson sailing Bergamotte completed the course in 26th place and third Rookie.

In 2000, Hutchinson of Howth Yacht Club completed the course again with IMPACT, again finishing in the twenties.

In 2006, Paul O’Riain became the third Irish skipper to complete the course.

In 2013, Royal Cork's David Kenefick raised the bar by becoming a top rookie sailor in the race.

In 2018, for the first time, Ireland had two Irish boats in the offshore race thanks to Tom Dolan and Joan Mulloy who joined the rookie ranks and kept the Irish tricolour flying high in France. Mulloy became the first Irish female to take on the race.

Tom Dolan in Smurfit Kappa competed for his third year in 2020 after a 25th place finish in 2019. Dolan sailed a remarkably consistent series in 2020 and took fifth overall, the best finish by a non-French skipper since 1997 when Switzerland’s Dominique Wavre finished runner up. Dolan wins the VIVI Trophy.

Dolan finished 10th on the first stage, 11th on the second and seventh into Saint Nazaire at the end of the third stage. Stage four was abandoned due to lack of wind.

Also in 2020, Dun Laoghaire’s Kenneth Rumball became the eleventh Irish sailor to sail the Figaro.

At A Glance – Figaro Race

It starts in June or July from a French port.
The race is split into four stages varying from year to year, from the length of the French coast and making up a total of around 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles (1,700 to 2,300 mi; 2,800 to 3,700 km) on average.
Over the years the race has lasted between 10 and 13 days at sea.
The competitor is alone in the boat, participation is mixed.
Since 1990, all boats are of one design.