Behind the Scenes: Ferrying 40,000 Bikers to the Isle of Man TT

40,000 motorcyclists. One island. And a ferry company working flat out to get them there.

The Isle of Man TT is one of the world's most famous motorcycle races — but what happens behind the scenes to get tens of thousands of fans, bikes and vehicles across the Irish Sea?

In this special edition of Full Ahead, Alistair Eagles and Nigel Thompson go aboard the flagship Manxman of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to find out.

The Steam Packet is the world's oldest continuously operating passenger shipping company, but the TT creates its biggest challenge of the year. During race week, more than 40,000 motorcycle fans make the journey to the island, putting the ferries and their crews under extraordinary pressure.

We meet crew members James Taylor and Steve Allen, who give us a behind-the-scenes look at life aboard Manxman — from bringing the ship into service and coping with passengers from around the world to feeding huge numbers of hungry bikers.

We explore the crew accommodation, discover why even the ship's four-legged passengers are catered for, and head down to the cargo deck as the TT traffic begins to arrive.

Alistair and Nigel also meet two very different TT fans: one making his first trip to the island and another celebrating his 40th TT.

And there's plenty more to discover, including one intriguing question:

Why does Manxman have evacuation chutes rather than lifeboats?

From the bridge to the galley and the cargo deck to the passenger lounges, come aboard as Full Ahead goes behind the scenes of one of the busiest days in the ferry calendar.

Our thanks to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and especially to James Taylor and Steve Allen, for helping us tell the story.

Full Ahead brings you the people, ships and stories behind the maritime world.

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