Displaying items by tag: Future of ferry

12th February 2024

What's Next for Former Isle of Man Flagship? - House of Keys to Discuss

As 3FM radio reports, what's next for the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry the Ben-My-Chree?

The ropax is the the former flagship of the Manx Government owned company which after 25 years last year was replaced by newbuild Manxman when entering service in August.

The question was being asked by Central Douglas, Member of House of Keys (MHK) Chris Thomas, following the ferry’s placement into a reserve vessel where it remains berthed in Douglas as referenced recently in separate Irish Ferries story.

During a sitting at this week’s House of Keys, the MHK is to ask the Treasury Minister, Dr Alex Allinson about the future role of the 1998 built ferry which had served the island’s main and only year-round operated route of Douglas-Heysham.

The Ben-My-Chree also served seasonal routes; Douglas-Belfast/ Dublin though Afloat highlights the latter link to the Irish capital was conducted in the earlier years. The vessel carried 630 passengers, 275 cars and 90 freight trailers.

Mr. Thomas wants to inquire how the 12,747 gross tonnes Ben-my-Chree can be used and what plans does the Steam Packet Company have for the almost 125m long vessel.

Published in Ferry

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About Pamela Lee, Irish Offshore Sailor

Ireland has produced some of the world’s most dedicated offshore sailors, and Pamela Lee of Greystones is one of them. She has made a name for herself in the sailing world, having worked as a mate on a charter Super-yacht for two and a half years. After coming ashore, she has been fully committed to her offshore sailing ambitions since 2019.

Lee has raced in various craft, including Figaro 3s, Class 40, Tp 52s, and multihulls, and has eight transatlantic crossings under her belt. In partnership with Kenny Rumball, Lee supported Rumball’s La Solitaire du Figaro sailing campaign to secure the Irish berth in the proposed Mixed Offshore Keelboat event for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

One of Lee’s stated main aims is to promote female empowerment in sport, and she set out to establish a double-handed Round Ireland speed record with Englishwoman Cat Hunt in the winter of 2020. This campaign gained much publicity, and Lee expressed pride in bringing sailing and offshore sailing, in particular, into the conversation for 2020.

To further her offshore sailing career, Lee moved to France, where she has recently secured a place to skipper a yacht in the Transat Jacques Vabre Challenge in October 2023. Lee’s passion and dedication to offshore sailing are inspiring, and her achievements are a testament to her hard work and perseverance.