The Manannan will be taking her winter break in Douglas.

The Steam Packet’s ’fastcraft’ will complete its final sailing on Sunday, November 4, from Liverpool back to Douglas, where the boat will be moored ready for its annual overhaul.

The Ben-my-Chree will maintain regular sailings throughout the winter, with daily trips to Heysham and weekend services to Birkenhead.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’Once again, Manannan has had a great reliability record this season and plays an invaluable role in the company’s day-to-day operation.

’We constantly look for ways to improve services and respond to unforeseen circumstances so the decision to keep her here until after the busy Christmas period will provide an extra degree of support for our vital sea links at an important time of the year.’

In the past year, Manannan has completed 773 sailings, travelling just under 55,000 nautical miles with no breakdowns.

Four return trips were cancelled as a result of bad weather.

The Manannan’s summer service to Liverpool starts again on March 29.