Propulsion: Waterjets for a Difficult Design Task
The idea of a ferry going over the sea to Skye is not a new one, although with the Skye bridge opening a few years ago, it is not an adventure many people undertake these days. A small car ferry operates in the south of the island, and a large car ferry takes people over from Uig in the north west corner of Skye to the Outer Hebridian islands of Lewis and Barra. There had however, long been talk of a possible passenger service linking the North of Skye to the Scottish mainland at Gairloch. A feasibility study was carried out by the local council, after which some local businessmen pulled together to form a new company in 2003 called West Highland Seaways Ltd., trading as 6° West.
SPIRIT Class High Speed Ferry delivered
budget. The vessel was built by Sandy Morrison Engineering in Uig, Isle of Skye. Morrison reported āthe Spitit of Skye had finished its trials with flying colous. The performance of the vessel was better than hoped for by a large margin. Predictions were in the region of 28 knots. recorded. of other types we have usedā. undertake these days. northwest Highlands and Islands. unviable. consuming and hair-raising journey by road. Skye to the Scottish mainland at Gairloch. Seaways Ltd., trading as 6o West. Gairloch in the Isle of Skye. required an average speed of 18 knots.
