Photographs © John H. Luxton 2011

"Three engines on our Incat,
But we're still sailing along
The passengers are chasing us
Brickbats fly, right on by
But we're singing a happy song."

with apologies to 

Burt Bacharach / Bob Hilliard

MANANNAN is seen departing from Liverpool on Thursday July 28, 2011 looking as impressive as ever. Unfortunately her mechanical performance has not been as impressive as her looks.

MANANNAN is now in her third season of operation - but once again she is operating on reduced power and averaging a maximum speed of around 26 knots. Both her 2009 and 2010 season were blemished with mechanical problems which saw her operating for prolonged periods on three engines.

The company has issued a statement suggesting that "repair time will be at least a few weeks" - one wonders if she will return to normal service speed by the end of the season?