Quote from: Steven on June 23, 2015, 10:27:56 PMQuote from: Steam Packet on June 22, 2015, 12:14:28 AMThe Euroferries operation itself turned out to be a red herring, and it was to be a charter. That was back in 2009, much has changed since then. Had she been available, I'm sure Condor had a look. Again, her age is against her - why replace two ageing craft with another which is a bit bigger?Quote from: Steven on June 21, 2015, 11:42:05 PMQuote from: Steam Packet on June 21, 2015, 06:27:45 PMYes, but they also got a bigger Ben-My-Chree :p. It would seem that Liberation is less than optimal for the service. However, it is indicative of the number of reasonably new fast craft available that she was the option taken. Even if Bonanza Express was available, she has passed the 15 year old mark, which in Northern Europe is when these craft tend to start looking for new homes in sunnier waters.
Condor should have bought Manannans sister, Bonanza Express (InCat 051).
I'm genuinely surprised they didn't to be honest, considering they couldn't wait to get themselves a Ben-My-Chree ;)
All they did was have more cabins fitted in the design, whereas the Ben was fitted with sufficient cabins for the 3Hrs 30Mins Douglas-Heysham Sailing. I understand Condor operate a long Channel Islands - Portsmouth overnight sailing that requires more cabins.
I don't know if Bonanza Express was available, though Fred Olsen were willing to charter her to EuroFerries. Their logo was even applied to her, but the charter, or sale I can't actually remember which, fell through.
I get what you mean, though they did buy Condor Rapide and she is one year older than Bonanza Express.
I suppose my whole point is that the IoMSPCo have the best fast craft in Manannan :)