Ferry takes motorcyclists to the Isle of Man TT Races - Liverpool

Each year the TT Races take place on the Isle of Man. It is a street circuit, often known as the mountain course which is almost 38 miles long, not a race track so there are numerous hazards.

Most of the competitors travel to the island by one of the ships operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet. They currently operate two ferries, Manannan a fast ferry which carries passengers, vehicles and limited freight and the larger Ben-My-Chree which carries mainly freight. Due to the additional traffic to the TT races two additional vessels have been chartered, the fast craft P & O Express and MV Arrow from Seatruck.

In 2012 the races started on Saturday May 26 and finish on Friday 8th June. The first week of the TT races are for qualifying and the on the second week racing commences.

There are several different races for different classes of bike such as Superbike, Supersport, sidecar and zero emission.

There were a record number of entries - eighteen, for the class of zero emission bike. Each of the competitors want to be the first to average over 100mph.

Competitors and racing enthusiasts travel from all round the world to be at the TT races, dubbed by many to be the "Greatest Show in the World".

On Friday 25th May I was at Liverpool to see the IOM TT competitors and enthusiasts board the morning sailing of the fast craft Manannan. It felt like Summer had arrived which was great for the foot passengers, but a little on the warm side for those wearing motorbike leathers. Everyone seemed to be happy when the ferry arrived on time.