Classic coastal excursion ship MV Balmoral will return to the island at the end of June offering trips as far afield as Whitehaven.
The 1949-built ship last visited the island in 2012 but was withdrawn from service as her then owners were unable to afford to operate her in 2013 and 2014.
But now, thanks to a new charity which has raised over £250,000 from voluntary contributions, the Balmoral is back and asking for your help.
Volunteers are needed to publicise the ship and its sailings amongst other jobs.
Organiser Dick Clague said: ‘We need people to put up posters, help around the Sea Terminal, direct people to the Steam Railway and to do the same things in Ramsey and Port St Mary.
‘We need people to collect names and collate them, we need an army of people. We need to get new blood in to help.’
Further considerable help has come in the way of a grant from the Coastal Communities Fund.
The ship is scheduled to go into dry dock for final checks and preparations mid-April and make her maiden voyage Bristol on June 19.
It is planned to be able to offer afternoon excursions from Douglas to the Calf of Man on Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27.
On Sunday, June 28 there will be a trip from Douglas to Peel via the Calf of Man, returning via Port St Mary.
And on Monday, June 29, there will be the chance to sail from Ramsey to Douglas.
On Tynwald Day, Monday, July 6, the plan is for a full day excursion from Douglas to Whitehaven.
Donations to restore the Balmoral to service are still needed – details of how you can give can be found at www.tinyurl.com/donatebalmoral or cheques may be sent to MV Balmoral Fund Ltd, c/o 23 Adder Hill, Great Boughton, Chester, CH3 5RA.
More details of opportunities are available at www.tinyurl.com/balmoralsupport where you can also sign up to help.
Alternatively contact Dick Clague on834606 or via j.r.clague@gmail.com
