Hi Save Manly Ferries Supporter,

This petition will be presented in Parliament by Jo Haylen, NSW Shadow Transport Minister. Therefore, we want to get as many signatures as possible, so please share this global petition https://chng.it/JSg9p492 #manlyferries #savemanlyferries #australianhistory #freshwaterclassforever #goodbyemeraldfleet

This Sunday 24 July 2022, there will be a public Save Manly Ferry rally, if you are available it would be great to see you there.

• Date & Time: 24/7/22 @ 11:00am
• Location: Manly Town Hall, Gilbert &, Belgrave St, Manly NSW 2095

Below you can find an excerpt from Richard Dunn’s interview with Bill Elbourne (with help from David Meir), a surviving member of the design team that created the Freshwater class ferries. 

Richard Tell me about yourself Bill, and your background? How you became involved in the development of the Freshwater class ferries: the Freshwater, the Collaroy, the Queenscliff and the Narrabeen?
Bill I started at State Dockyard Newcastle as an apprentice Boilermaker. In my third year I was moved to the drawing office where I stayed for twenty seven years gaining my Navel Architecture Certificate. The last two vessels designed and built at SDN were the Manly Ferries Freshwater and last of all the Queenscliff. I was involved with their design, build and all the relevant sea trials so I know a little bit about these fine vessels. I was also part of the trial and delivery team that delivered the Freshwater to Sydney.

Richard Putting aside any bias could you explain why you and today’s engineers are so confident in the Freshwaters longevity? I keep hearing they are in such great shape and are able to remain in service for another thirty to forty years?
Bill I know the Manly Freshwater Class ferries are forty years old because I was part of the design team that built and trialled the first two, with the correct survey, maintenance, updating as necessary they each will easily give Sydney yet another twenty plus years of safe service. I am quietly confident the current Manly Freshwater ferries will service Sydney and Manly for another twenty plus years. After seeing the Freshwater’s hull during her last dry docking she seemed in fine shape. I keep saying if all four vessels are maintained correctly, repaired as and when required, dry docked and surveyed when required they will remain the world iconic workhorse they currently are.

Richard In 1938, the South Steyne sailed from Britain to New South Wales. Are you just as confident in the prowess of the Freshwater fleet to undergo a similar ocean voyage?
Bill Based on the current design there is no doubt in our minds the Freshwater class could safely achieve the same outcome given the opportunity. Remember the Collaroy was designed as a sea going vessel, she made trips from Sydney to Port Stephens, Sydney to Wollongong and return.

Richard The revelation that the Emerald Mk2 risks becoming airborne in heavy swells, especially at night when you can’t see a rogue wave until it hits. What measures do the Freshwaters have to counter such a threat?
Bill The Freshwater Class can safely handle swells up to 6 metres including a rogue swell or wave. In my humble opinion the Emerald Mk2 are not designed for the rough conditions that prevail crossing Sydney Heads. To me they are a suitable inner harbour design. I’m told by reliable sources that twin hull design walks in any height swell, that to me can’t be safe. I’m further told the Emerald Mk2 have had major issues i.e. hulls cracking, windows breaking, nearly losing a propeller and rudder, as well as the Master being locked in the wheelhouse and locksmiths having to be called. To my knowledge the Freshwater class just continually perform safely day in and day out. The same can’t be said of the Emerald Mk2 - it simply is not safe crossing the Heads with a swell height of just two metres, and TransDev, the French operator is ordering inexperienced masters to put passengers, crews and vessels at great risk.

We acknowledge the skills and participation of all those who contributed in the development of the Freshwater class.

You can also personally email the below to save Manly Ferries:

• Minister for Transport and Veterans Affairs, David Eilliot - baulkhamhills@parliament.nsw.gov.au
• Member for Manly, James Griffin - manly@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Thanks for your efforts and support in helping to save Manly Ferries. 

Credit & thanks to @manly_drone for the image! 

Best wishes,
Rachael

#savemanlyferries