Winter sailings: Why Manxman is the best choice
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is proud to be the oldest continually operating passenger ferry company in the World. Since 1830 we’ve kept the Isle of Man connected to ports around the Irish Sea. As we close in on our 200th anniversary we’re pleased to say it’s never been safer or more comfortable to sail with us in winter.
The Irish Sea does get a little rougher in winter, but thanks to our new flagship Manxman’s design and advanced capabilities, your sailing will still be comfortable, even in lumpy conditions. During winter months, Manxman sails to Heysham every day, and to Liverpool on weekends, keeping the island moving through the colder months.
Whether you’re heading home, visiting family, or planning a winter escape, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfort and calm of travelling by sea, whatever the weather, thanks to Manxman’s cutting edge systems, our safety culture, and a design emphasising stability and comfort no matter the sea state.
We designed Manxman from the keel up for just the kind of weather you can expect on a gloomy day in the Irish Sea. Wide hull, deep balance, and stabilisers that steady her when the sea state starts to rise. Inside, it’s warm and calm. You find a seat, order a coffee, and watch the grey horizon roll past the windows. Outside might look wild, but inside, everything is optimised for your comfort.
When the colder months roll in, it’s natural to wonder whether you want to face the possibility of travelling by ferry in possibly inclement weather. Some people will naturally be more anxious and wonder ‘is it still safe and comfortable?’ The short answer? Absolutely. Manxman is designed to handle the changing conditions of the Irish Sea, with safety always coming first, and our officers and crew are trained to put safety first from the moment they join us.
Here’s how we make sure every winter sailing runs smoothly:
Is it safe to travel by sea in winter?
Yes, as mentioned above, safety is always our top priority. Every sailing - regardless of the time of year or weather conditions - is assessed carefully before departure, taking into account multiple factors including wind speed, wind direction, and wave height. Sailings only go ahead when conditions are deemed safe to operate. Our Masters make the final decision to sail based on a combination of weather forecasts, live data, and years of seafaring experience.
How does Manxman handle rough weather?
Manxman was built to perform exceptionally well, even in challenging seas.
Her advanced systems are working from before you step onboard to after you disembark to make your sailing comfortable and safe every step of the way.
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Sensors monitor the trim of the vessel as vehicles are loaded or unloaded and automatically adjust the heeling tanks in the lower hull, to keep Manxman steady and upright.
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Ballast systems are used to fine-tune stability and efficiency during the voyage.
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Active stabilisers, large fin-like structures beneath the hull, deploy when the ship is underway and in deep enough water, counteracting the natural rolling motion of the sea.
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The crew may also adjust course and speed to reduce the effect of wind and waves, ensuring the most comfortable crossing possible for the conditions. We call this weather routing. Masters will often inform passengers onboard if they are opting to employ a weather route.
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Manxman’s advanced hull design, powerful bow thrusters, and “Becker flap” rudders make her even more maneuverable in port compared to her predecessor, Ben-my-Chree.
If Manxman is so capable, why do we adjust sailing times or cancel sailings in bad weather?
While Manxman’s one of the most up to date and capable passenger vessels on the Irish Sea, some things are the same no matter how much tech you throw at them: equipped to handle adverse weather, sailings may occasionally be delayed or rescheduled if conditions at departure or arrival ports make docking unsafe. The ports themselves are responsible for setting the upper windspeed limits for safe operations, although we also risk assess all aspects of our operations and sometimes our safety management system may mandate lower limits in some circumstances.
How are decisions made in bad weather?
Every decision to sail is made by the Master of the vessel, based on the latest forecasts, sea-state reports, and port conditions. The goal is simple, to maintain the highest levels of safety and comfort without unnecessary disruption to passengers.
What are ship stabilisers, and how do they work?
Stabilisers are hydraulic fins beneath the waterline that act like aircraft wings. As the ship moves, sensors and hydraulics automatically adjust their angle to generate lift in the opposite direction of the ship’s roll, reducing side-to-side movement.
How do stabilisers improve passenger comfort?
By constantly working to counteract the ship’s natural motion, the stabilisers keep the vessel as upright as possible. Less roll means a smoother, more stable crossing, and a big reduction in the likelihood of seasickness.
On calm days, the stabilisers remain tucked away to minimise drag and keep the ship operating efficiently. When the weather picks up, they’re deployed as soon as the ship reaches open water and the right speed, working quietly beneath the surface to keep things steady.
How does all of this make Manxman a good choice in Winter?
In short, design, technology, and experience. Manxman’s hull shape, control systems, and stabilisers are all engineered for stability. Her stabilisers are twice the surface area of those on Ben-my-Chree, offering significantly greater roll resistance and passenger comfort.
Her crew are trained to put your safety and comfort first and make best use of all of these factors, plus their experience of operating in the Irish Sea to give you a crossing that is memorable for all of the right reasons.
Whether it’s a calm day or the middle of winter, Manxman is designed to sail safely, smoothly, and confidently.
What happens if the sailing can’t go ahead for any reason, take a look at some advice for any delays and disruptions > https://www.steam-packet.com/delays-and-disruptions-advice