Manxman and Company DVD - Description
Britain’s history as a maritime nation is rich and varied, and the ferry
trade is no exception. The Manxman was the last ship of her type left in the
British waters; a symbol of a bygone era when shipbuilding drove the British
economy. Although her basic design dated back to the 1930’s, she was craftsman
built in 1955 for the world’s oldest and most distinguished ferry operator, the
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. She survived to be the last traditional steam
turbine, passenger-only vessel to operate in European waters, serving the Steam
Packet until 1982. As all her sisters and consorts went to the breakers, the
Manxman was saved. She had several ‘adventures’: some good, most not so.
Sadly, this
wonderful journey looked destined to end in 2010 with the announcement that,
despite repeated and passionate attempts to save her, the Manxman was set for
the scrap yard.
With the end of
this intriguing story insight, we celebrate a ship famed for her elegance and
luxury, who when left to rust became a symbol of an industry in decline. This
is the tale of her building, career in service, survival and the fight for her
restoration. The DVD contains archive film, photographs from collectors and contemporary
footage from on-board the vessel herself. It also features exclusive interviews
with the personalities who shaped the history of the Manxman and the Isle of Man shipping industry.
