I visited Iona with some friends during similar weather back in the late 1970s. It was a much smaller vessel with almost no shelter for passengers except a wee bus shelter thing that about 6 people could get in. The waves were crashing over the sides and by the time we got over everyone - even those in the bus shelter - were absolutely drookit. We couldn't have been any wetter even if we had swam across. Then, of course, we had to do it all again to get back to Mull. Four soaking wet, freezing cold passengers with an hour's drive back up to Craignure ahead of us. Great memories.
Surprising to see it running in those conditions. That's not the usual ship for Iona either which makes the job even trickier for the captain. Excellent seamanship.
Wow! Amazing nerves and seamanship. I am really impressed. This is from an aging Grandson of a transplanted Scot and with I had time left to visit my homeland.
My heart is racing so fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've heard a token mention of rough seas, but only now have I attempted to watch a video and try to see the real thing. HOLY COW!!! I'd prefer to be inside a safe house, watching the lovely weather and sea, drinking my coffee and feeling safe. Beautiful views, but really scary yet incredible skills regarding that ferry.
Well done you for surviving the trip. We were told no ferries other than an early one would be running so I was surprised to see it come into view. I was glad it was much calmer the next morning when I started for home. Glad you picked up this video!
The Captain sure knows his stuff to manipulate the ferry in such conditions. I was there during August 2009 and was watching from the same spot as the videographer was shooting the footage. Brought back memories. I am licensed to captain a ferry this size here in New Hampshire USA and doubt if I would have the courage to do what this captain did! When I visit again I hope to meet the guy. Don Taylor
The first car that comes off, (I think, if it's a Volvo) is me coming onto the island for christmas. I was amazed it was even running, they've canceled it for much less in the past!
Beautiful, breezy, chilly nature, I love the sea when it's wild , it's somehow exciting, like a thunderstorm and it's great to see sturdy ships tackling the elements with very powerful engines, Scotland is breathtaking in its wildness, I love the highlands and islands, clean and untamed.
oh my god!!! iv been on that ferry many times,iona and mull are my second home,iv never experienced anything like tha before and not sure i want to,many thanks for sharing ur footage.
One vehicle off, two on and she's away all in a few minutes in gale conditions, amazing stuff. Lesser ferry operators would have cancelled all sailings!
Glad you enjoyed it, not the best or most beautiful view of Iona in the film but nonetheless it is a beautfiul place and it was good to spend a week there.
2 factors here number one the skipper knows what he's doing and Voith Schneider props and steering. Same for the Tarbet ferry and that runs in all weathers as well.
Well done to Captain & crew for keeping this sort of service going in very challenging weather. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to escape the winter in Miami!! That weather is pish.
This would have been an easy maneuver if there was a linkspan to lock the ferry to and a jetty to lay alongside. Calmacs old-fashioned ways are ridiculous. But well done by the skipper.
Impressive! We landed on Cape Horn from Zodiacs in March of this year and hiked the trail to the point. It was like a mill pond with a little breeze compared to that. Well done the skipper and crew.
I was a passanger on this ferry, I had just bought a double Bells when the ship lurched violently and the entire contents spilled onto the table without the glass falling over £7 down the drain.
Phenomenal. No bonuses though I'll bet. What was the fare to cross that day I wonder? Only two vehicles on. If the skipper was a banker he'd have been given a million or so???
This was the 3pm sailing which we were told was cancelled. I stopped filming as you saw but half way across it returned towards Iona before making another succesful attempt at crossing the Sound to Mull.
Well spotted. This ship was from the Clyde as a relief boat. Inside were posters advising passengers that plain clothes police operate on the ship watching for pick pockets. No need for that on Iona!
Christine Numrich: I hope your trip went well. Our trip was to be July 2016 but was ruined by a person 2 blocks from transportation point in USA! Had been in the planning 10 yrs, paid for the previous year. I choose not to let her ruin anything else in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I can earn that money again, I'll take my kids one day.
@deeteenh He is well known locally, but I do not have his name. I hope you get back there again soon. I haven't been able to get back there since this visit, but it is on my 'must do' list. Thanks for your interest in the video.
Hi,great capture! What size of film were you using? I thought that method of capture was long gone, even back in 2008? I used 8mm but 9.5mm was more popular.
Quality doesn't look great nowadays but it is digital captured on a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ3. Still got the camera. Still works fine! Have a good day. Thanks for your interest.
The skipper did an amazing job to keep to vessel from being blown off @@BS25BaldEagle. They must have been full ahead to push themselves against the jetty and keep themselves anchored. I suspect the headed off to Bull Hole shortly after this. Surely they didn't keep running? 😲
Anyone know how the skipper holds the ferry in position? I wouldn't have thought a side thruster would have been strong enough to pull the stern of the vessel against the wind and waves.
+WeddingVegetables I might be making a mistake here but my impression is that when the ferry is against the dock the wind is from directly abeam the vessel and would be strong enough to push the vessel sideways. I wouldn't have thought the vessel's propeller would be enough to keep it against the pier with enough force to prevent that sideways movement.
+Peter Lovett A vessel of this size using the propeller in this fashion will be pushing itself against the pier with a force of several tonnes. There may be some kind of support structure that the bow rests against or they may use mooring lines (though I can't see any) but basically the skipper will rely on the thrust of the propeller. It may seem unlikely but that's how it's done. :)
+Peter Lovett I can't remember the exact term for them but those ferries have propulsion units at the front and rear that can push in any direction, it could travel sideways if needed and can turn 360 degrees on the spot. The ramp is the only thing touching the slipway at the front and the propulsion units hold the stern in position. I spent 17 years using this crossing so know those ferries well.
I am going to disagree. Excellent boat handling skills. But excellent seamanship also includes not leaving the dock. The phrase is, "Sail on the tide." You untie and head out when the tide and the weather are suitable and safe. What we are watching is tremendously skillful,,, but more skillful yet would be to stay in port and wait. Yes, the vehicles got on and off,,, but not with zero risk. A misstep would kill.
Oh yes, they do. This is a bad, rough day to see it though. It’s an island of two sides. The other is indescribable in its beauty and tranquility and colour
Brilliant seamanship - ‘water off a ferry’s back’ for this skipper (and the passengers, they did not skip a beat unload and loading). I think all politicians should have this type of work scheduled into their weekly calendar ... just to keep them in touch.
Why can't they build a bridge, or a tunnel, or at the very least, a half decent harbor? Too many times, these ferries can't run simply because the docking is not safe. If they had a half proper harbor, this kind of thing could be avoided, except in the most severe of storms.
Yes I understand that about Iona. But they have this very problem at other places, (Dunoon) )and the docking is the main problem. But even still, I am sure Iona could do with better facilities, just as with many of the ports, in the area..
Done this journey a few times but never seen it like this! Respect to the ferry master.
.. Seamanship is Outstanding. Respect the deep seas.
I visited Iona with some friends during similar weather back in the late 1970s. It was a much smaller vessel with almost no shelter for passengers except a wee bus shelter thing that about 6 people could get in. The waves were crashing over the sides and by the time we got over everyone - even those in the bus shelter - were absolutely drookit. We couldn't have been any wetter even if we had swam across. Then, of course, we had to do it all again to get back to Mull. Four soaking wet, freezing cold passengers with an hour's drive back up to Craignure ahead of us. Great memories.
I remember that, and no shelter while you waited on the jetty! Happy days😂
I worked on the jetty,on the tractors.
Great job, and more impressive the fact that drivers are wanting to get on in those conditions !
and not a drop of tea spilt from the captains cup as he preformed the routine docking. This guys got some serious skills. well done.
Surprising to see it running in those conditions. That's not the usual ship for Iona either which makes the job even trickier for the captain.
Excellent seamanship.
Thanks Lukyboy. The captain is a local man and knows his stuff, even though it was a 'borrowed' boat from the Clyde, his usual boat being in dry dock.
Wow! Amazing nerves and seamanship. I am really impressed. This is from an aging Grandson of a transplanted Scot and with I had time left to visit my homeland.
My heart is racing so fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've heard a token mention of rough seas, but only now have I attempted to watch a video and try to see the real thing. HOLY COW!!! I'd prefer to be inside a safe house, watching the lovely weather and sea, drinking my coffee and feeling safe. Beautiful views, but really scary yet incredible skills regarding that ferry.
Well done you for surviving the trip. We were told no ferries other than an early one would be running so I was surprised to see it come into view. I was glad it was much calmer the next morning when I started for home. Glad you picked up this video!
The Captain sure knows his stuff to manipulate the ferry in such conditions. I was there during August 2009 and was watching from the same spot as the videographer was shooting the footage. Brought back memories. I am licensed to captain a ferry this size here in New Hampshire USA and doubt if I would have the courage to do what this captain did! When I visit again I hope to meet the guy.
Don Taylor
All us land-lubbers don't have a clue. My hat is off to the Skipper. Amazing.
Admirable! I think I might have had second thoughts if I was waiting to board though.
beautiful 1970s h+c fantastic
The first car that comes off, (I think, if it's a Volvo) is me coming onto the island for christmas. I was amazed it was even running, they've canceled it for much less in the past!
Beautiful, breezy, chilly nature, I love the sea when it's wild , it's somehow exciting, like a thunderstorm and it's great to see sturdy ships tackling the elements with very powerful engines, Scotland is breathtaking in its wildness, I love the highlands and islands, clean and untamed.
oh my god!!! iv been on that ferry many times,iona and mull are my second home,iv never experienced anything like tha before and not sure i want to,many thanks for sharing ur footage.
H en bb
Shut that flamin red door, you'll have no hinges left
Very impressive seamanship. Not sure that I'd have stayed in the queue to board though!
One vehicle off, two on and she's away all in a few minutes in gale conditions, amazing stuff. Lesser ferry operators would have cancelled all sailings!
The sea is in their blood, and the Master / Captain knows the streech of water so well.
Glad you enjoyed it, not the best or most beautiful view of Iona in the film but nonetheless it is a beautfiul place and it was good to spend a week there.
Very Good Job ! 👍
Amazing video - what a skipper! well done
Could he no go and shut the wee door on the generator than watch it bash it's self to bits.
explain?
Great video thanks for sharing
Captivating. Amazing job.
2 factors here number one the skipper knows what he's doing and Voith Schneider props and steering. Same for the Tarbet ferry and that runs in all weathers as well.
+The Green x Gaming (BlackandWhites) wawo yoo ar not abal to do inglish propperlay ar yoo
nairda1945 de
Well done to Captain & crew for keeping this sort of service going in very challenging weather. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to escape the winter in Miami!! That weather is pish.
This would have been an easy maneuver if there was a linkspan to lock the ferry to and a jetty to lay alongside. Calmacs old-fashioned ways are ridiculous.
But well done by the skipper.
Give the skipper a round of applause, great skills.
Impressive!
We landed on Cape Horn from Zodiacs in March of this year and hiked the trail to the point. It was like a mill pond with a little breeze compared to that.
Well done the skipper and crew.
That's a no novice captain excellent
Wow! We had scheduled a trip to Iona today, but it was canceled because of weather like this!
Loch Riddon back for her yearly trip up to Fionnphort/Iona as Loch Buie away for her annual docking. Wishing her & her crew calmer conditions.
I crossed over from Ffionphort to Iona and back today....not a breath of wind and it was like a mill pond.
Credit to the crews on these ferry's, so much skill.
Yep, I was glad I wasn't on it. Pretty rare I think though! Don't let it put you off...
Haven't been to Arran but understand it is beautiful. Thanks for your comment. :)
Someone knows a bit about boat handling and seamanship. Great footage.
No they dont
What seamanship by the Caledonian Mc Brain crew , magnificent, and thats not the half of it.
Shut up no its not.
@@sebastianmcgavin490 Agreed Calmac never sail in any weather these days.
I live in the village of Iona Prince Edward Island Canada. I must visit the island someday.
I was a passanger on this ferry, I had just bought a double Bells when the ship lurched violently and the entire contents spilled onto the table without the glass falling over £7 down the drain.
😂
It is heartening to see a skilled man at work.
I don't know his name but he knew what he was doing.
Phenomenal. No bonuses though I'll bet. What was the fare to cross that day I wonder? Only two vehicles on. If the skipper was a banker he'd have been given a million or so???
The best part is when the door is lowed just into the sea. On the Colintrave-Rhubadoch run they don't even bother to raise them!
Master Mariners certificates are NOT given out lightly
who was the skipper that day?? i know all the crew and live in fionnphort! would be interesting to see which one of them braved it!
fascinating.
This was the 3pm sailing which we were told was cancelled. I stopped filming as you saw but half way across it returned towards Iona before making another succesful attempt at crossing the Sound to Mull.
Yes he knew what he was doing.
👏👏👏
Well spotted. This ship was from the Clyde as a relief boat. Inside were posters advising passengers that plain clothes police operate on the ship watching for pick pockets. No need for that on Iona!
It takes more than a wee draught tae stop a Caledonian MacBrayne vessel completing its job.
Accept if it's the Arran ferry
Or the Largs Cumbrae one
I'm just hoping my trip in July 2017 is uneventful!! But if so..I hope he is the Skipper!
Christine Numrich: I hope your trip went well. Our trip was to be July 2016 but was ruined by a person 2 blocks from transportation point in USA! Had been in the planning 10 yrs, paid for the previous year. I choose not to let her ruin anything else in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I can earn that money again, I'll take my kids one day.
@deeteenh He is well known locally, but I do not have his name. I hope you get back there again soon. I haven't been able to get back there since this visit, but it is on my 'must do' list. Thanks for your interest in the video.
The skipper might know what he’s doing, but that’s a challenge for car drivers. But then….see what they achieve on the Greek ferries in heavy stuff.
For gods sake SHUT THAT DOOR
Just a wee breeze that's all
Hi,great capture! What size of film were you using? I thought that method of capture was long gone, even back in 2008? I used 8mm but 9.5mm was more popular.
Quality doesn't look great nowadays but it is digital captured on a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ3. Still got the camera. Still works fine! Have a good day. Thanks for your interest.
Tough Highlanders!
Brilliant seamanship manoeuvring but SOD THAT !
40 years ago, before the new pie was built, this crossing was by partially open boat. Could be VERY scary
that was the good old days took the same trip on the open boat 43yrs ago to do lambing on the island great people great time
ANDY LAYTON JAMES ãqqqqqqqqaaa
That looks scary of the weather hope they berth okay.
Yes, they did, briefly to disembark vehicles and allow a couple on back over to Mull.
They should not be sailing in that bad weather!!
Nae foot passengers then...........................amazimg captain, well done my son
Wow 😜😜😜
Credit to the skipper, well handled
Do you get the feeling he's done that before under worse conditions ?.
Yep, that's not this captains first rodeo.
This is Fionnphort look at Iona, or back to Mull? Not sure I’d have risked the crossing 😮
It is looking from Iona to Fionnphort. It was extremely windy. I wouldn’t have gone that day.
The skipper did an amazing job to keep to vessel from being blown off @@BS25BaldEagle. They must have been full ahead to push themselves against the jetty and keep themselves anchored. I suspect the headed off to Bull Hole shortly after this. Surely they didn't keep running? 😲
Yes the skipper kept the engine running throughout, necessary to keep the vessel from being blown ashore and for the safety of all aboard.
Probably helped that everyone on board had their fingers crossed.
Can't you latch the door on the Generator?
aye we have some good ships us scots but im sure ur ships are way better in size
That is not a gale. The waves suggest its about a force 5 or 6 at most
Why didn't you close the red door ?
Trying to keep dry and out of the wind. It felt like all hell had been let loose!
Put the door of the generator Tony from Holland
So do I, haha.
Don't make 'em like they used to.
Anyone know how the skipper holds the ferry in position? I wouldn't have thought a side thruster would have been strong enough to pull the stern of the vessel against the wind and waves.
+Peter Lovett He pushes it against the pier with the propeller.
+WeddingVegetables I might be making a mistake here but my impression is that when the ferry is against the dock the wind is from directly abeam the vessel and would be strong enough to push the vessel sideways. I wouldn't have thought the vessel's propeller would be enough to keep it against the pier with enough force to prevent that sideways movement.
+Peter Lovett A vessel of this size using the propeller in this fashion will be pushing itself against the pier with a force of several tonnes. There may be some kind of support structure that the bow rests against or they may use mooring lines (though I can't see any) but basically the skipper will rely on the thrust of the propeller. It may seem unlikely but that's how it's done. :)
Must be. Anyway, thanks for the very quick response. Cheers
+Peter Lovett I can't remember the exact term for them but those ferries have propulsion units at the front and rear that can push in any direction, it could travel sideways if needed and can turn 360 degrees on the spot. The ramp is the only thing touching the slipway at the front and the propulsion units hold the stern in position. I spent 17 years using this crossing so know those ferries well.
Fantastic skills of the ferry skipper,deeply poor skills of the photographer,at least you could of got it in focus !!
Thank you!
I am going to disagree. Excellent boat handling skills. But excellent seamanship also includes not leaving the dock. The phrase is, "Sail on the tide." You untie and head out when the tide and the weather are suitable and safe. What we are watching is tremendously skillful,,, but more skillful yet would be to stay in port and wait. Yes, the vehicles got on and off,,, but not with zero risk. A misstep would kill.
if they waited for good weather who would pay the crew?
The ferry cannot anchor against either the Iona or Fionnphort slips; they anchor in the bay at Fionnphort where there is some shelter.
To even put to sea with passengers in such conditions is somewhat stretching the bounds of "safety first".
And people actually live there?
Yep. Including my sister.
Oh yes, they do. This is a bad, rough day to see it though. It’s an island of two sides. The other is indescribable in its beauty and tranquility and colour
Brilliant seamanship - ‘water off a ferry’s back’ for this skipper (and the passengers, they did not skip a beat unload and loading). I think all politicians should have this type of work scheduled into their weekly calendar ... just to keep them in touch.
Why can't they build a bridge, or a tunnel, or at the very least, a half decent harbor?
Too many times, these ferries can't run simply because the docking is not safe. If they had a half proper harbor, this kind of thing could be avoided, except in the most severe of storms.
Because the volume of traffic doesn't justify it.
Do you realise how tiny iona is plus the ferry never actually docks there there's a more sheltered spot on the other side
Yes I understand that about Iona.
But they have this very problem at other places, (Dunoon) )and the docking is the main problem.
But even still, I am sure Iona could do with better facilities, just as with many of the ports, in the area..
Do you mean harbour?!!
Crappy seamanship!! A good seaman would not be out there, would have stayed where they were and not be risking lives!!
Must have dynamic positioning system
Yes, it’s called a competent skipper.