New Manx fastcraft vessel sails

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's new £18m fastcraft, Manannan, has completed her first commercial sailing.

The 96m (314ft) long vessel set off for Liverpool at 0730 BST and completed her 1130 BST return journey back to Douglas on schedule, the company said.

Manannan, which can seat 800 passengers and take 200 cars, makes a single journey in two and a half hours.

She will be officially named in a ceremony at an on-board private party on Friday night.

Steam Packet Company bosses picked the name to reflect its Manx heritage. In Manx mythology, Manannan is god of the sea and protector of the Isle of Man.

The vessel is operating Liverpool-to-Douglas sailings and is the largest vessel of her type in the Irish Sea.

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