The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is gearing up for this year’s Manx Grand Prix with its new luxury fastcraft Manannan and a special discount for visiting marshals and paramedics.
The Manx Grand Prix (MGP), which was launched in 1930 and is held over six laps of the world famous TT course, runs from Saturday 22nd August to Friday 4th September.
Following the successful introduction of the new vessel into service in May and her busy TT schedule, Manannan is well prepared for the MGP.
Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: “Manannan’s additional speed, as well as comfort and on-board facilities, are very good news for visitors to the Manx Grand Prix and the Island. We now have a fast craft that is the equal to if not better than anything else around the British Isles. This is a clear statement of our desire to provide the highest possible standards of service and facilities for our passengers.”
Before entering service Manannan underwent a complete refurbishment which, it has been noted, was the largest conversion ever undertaken on an aluminium vessel anywhere in the world. The extensive work has included the construction of completely new aft accommodation and a much enlarged skylounge on the top deck, both of which have contributed to the vessel’s increased seating capacity of more than 800 passengers.
The 96-metre catamaran is the largest vessel of her type in the Irish Sea, significantly enhancing the Company’s service by also offering greater vehicle, and freight back-up capacity and increased levels of passenger comfort.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is also encouraging marshals and paramedics to cover both the TT and the Manx Grand Prix 2009.
The Company has liaised with the Department of Tourism & Leisure in developing the incentives, which will offer significant savings on MGP ferry fares for visiting marshals and paramedics who also travelled with the Company to cover the TT.
The discounts available are:
• A marshal or paramedic paying a MGP ferry fare of £200 or less will receive a refund of 50%
• For ferry fares of more than £200, the refund will be a maximum of £100
Marshals and paramedics who signed on for the TT 2009 will be given an MPG discount form which they must retain and complete prior to taking it to the Ferry Travel Shop in the Sea Terminal, Douglas, during the Manx Grand Prix period.
Mr Woodward explained: “Volunteer visitor marshals and paramedics are a vital supplement to local marshals and paramedics during both the TT and MGP, but in previous years they have received no financial assistance towards travel costs. We wanted to introduce an incentive which would benefit the races as well as the individuals. We are confident this initiative will help ensure that both events have sufficient marshals and paramedics, which is crucial.”
For more details or to book a trip please call 0871 222 1 333 or visit
www.steam-packet.com
Notes for editors:
No discount is available for visiting marshals and paramedics who travel to only one event.
Discounts cannot be requested in advance of travel and can only be claimed during MGP 2009.
Discount will be given against foot passenger bookings or any vehicle and passenger bookings with the exception of any commercial/freight bookings
