Manxman's first weekend sailings called off

Steam Packet Company blames 'operational restrictions' due to wind and confirms Ben-my-Chree will cover

Manxman won’t complete its first weekend sailings because it’s predicted to be too windy.

The Steam Packet Company says it’s due to ‘operational restrictions’ at Heysham Port.

Instead the Ben-my-Chree will carry out the crossings on Friday and Saturday.

Manxman – which completed its first daytime passenger sailings today – is currently operating under a temporary 26kt wind limit for entries to the UK port.

According to the company that’s ‘part of the gradual build-up of knowledge and experience of operating the new vessel’.

Managing director Brian Thomson said: “We’ve always been clear that safety is our first priority and nothing else can be allowed to come before that. 

“We’d like to apologise for any disappointment for customers who were hoping to sail on Manxman, but we’re sure people will understand the reasoning.

“As we build up real world experience on Manxman in a variety of conditions the temporary limits on Heysham will be raised, but until then we will continue to feel our way in to operating this excellent new vessel.

“Today’s successful return passenger crossing has already given us a lot of real-world experience and we will continue to use this to improve all aspects of our operation.” 

You can find more on the Manxman's maiden voyage by clicking HERE.