"The Sea is the beginning and end of all things"
So said the late Sir Anthony Quayle who narrated the film 'The Story of Mann' at the Manx Museum in the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Man's lifeblood has been the sea, from its earliest inhabitants who hunted in primitive dugouts around its shores, through to the Vikings who plundered its coasts and eventually settled. The Isle of Man has a wealth of tales to tell about its maritime heritage.
There is the Bounty story with Manx links to Captain Bligh, Fletcher
Christian and Peter Heywood and then there is Captain Quilliam who in
the thick of battle, helped steer H.M.S. Victory at Trafalgar.
The Island's shipbuilders built hardy fishing vessels and large sailing ships for immigration to the New
World, such as the 'Star of India' which is still preserved to this day.
Manx naval officer William Kennish who, amongst many things,
invented a device to enable the accurate training of guns on naval
ships, advised the Royal Navy to paint warships grey and also helped
design the Panama Canal.
One of the Island's most famous residents however, was Sir William Hillary, Founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, who built the famous Tower of Refuge in Douglas Bay and who is buried in St George's Church in the Island's capital, Douglas.
During both World Wars many Manxmen and women gave their lives serving in the Royal Navy and Merchant Service. In the Second World War, the Isle of Man was a vast training camp with all branches of services including H.M.S. ST George Naval Training and HMS Urley Fleet Air Arm stationed here.
In 2005, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company celebrates its 175th anniversary as the world's oldest
passenger shipping company and there are a number of events planned to celebrate this remarkable
achievement. www.steam-packet.com
In 2005, Sea Isle of Man will help to promote the Isle of Man's links, both past and present, by helping to promote a number of events and attractions with a maritime conection, ranging from World Tin Bath Races to Tall Ships, exhibitions and concerts. The Island's award winning museums will depict its unique maritime history at the Manx Museum in Douglas, The House of Mannanan in Peel and the Nautical Museum in Castletown.
The Isle of Man Post Office and The Isle of Man Treasury will also be issuing commemorative stamps and coins with a maritime theme. For further information and a regular update on Sea Isle of Man events, please visit www.seaisleofman.com
The Isle of Man is situated in the middle of the Irish Sea, some 72 nautical miles from Liverpool, 59 from Heysham and some 83 nautical miles from Dublin and 78 from Belfast.
The Island has some 227 square miles of the most stunning scenery around with a rugged coastline and deep valleys,16 National Glens to explore, spectacular mountainous scenery and long sandy beaches. The Isle of Man is easily accessible by sea and air.
For further information visit www.visitisleofman.com
