[david smith]

Manchester Zeal at Piraeus

[Bunkerbarge]

The Vigour and the Zeal both spent most of thier lives around the Mediterranean. I was never lucky enough to see these two.

They still had Crossley Pielsticks but of a smaller capacity than the Magic Boats, a single 'V' 12 as opposed to two 'V' 18's, and they were run on diesel fuel rather than heavy fuel oil. Consequently they were described as sewing machines as opposed to DP (Designed Pitch) being used to refer to Dead Pielsticks!

[sandman]

Both built by appledore shipbuilders in the early 70's,i belive the vigour was converted to a livestock carrier for the middle east

[EMMESSTEE]

I seem to recall one or both of these two ships finding their way out to Australia on charter during the 1970's - I can picture the "Vigour" alongside No.12 North Quay, Fremantle.

I remember an ex-Manchester Liners colleague of mine being quite excited about seeing his old company so far from home and actually meeting some of his pals from his ML apprenticeship days.

-----------------

Mike.

[andywright]

It was the Manchester Vigour, I was on board as Nav cadet. We had a great time in Fremantle, it was supposed to be a 3 month trip, I think it went to 9 or 10 months, have to look in my discharge book.
Captain Len Taylor was the old man.
Andy

[steviej]

Originally Posted by EMMESSTEE

I seem to recall one or both of these two ships finding their way out to Australia on charter during the 1970's - I can picture the "Vigour" alongside No.12 North Quay, Fremantle.

I remember an ex-Manchester Liners colleague of mine being quite excited about seeing his old company so far from home and actually meeting some of his pals from his ML apprenticeship days.

-----------------

Mike.

Cannot remember the Vigour or her sister ship the Zeal being out in Oz during the 70's. However the Manchester Renown and Reward did about five years on a charter. They were renamed Asian Renown and Reward.
steviej

[colinw]

I did the maiden voyage on the Zeal from Europe to the USAgulf ports in 1974 . I think the Vigour did 1 voyage to Australia when she was new before heading back to Europe. I rember doing 2 trips on the Zeal a charter from Europe to Newark , NJ during winter time , not a pleasant experience at all !!
Colin

[steviej]

I also did one winter trip on the Zeal to Newark. I think it took us 10 days to cross. I cannot remember the tonnage but it was quite a small ship to cross to the states. I also remember it was the first time I sailed with George Gardner C/E.

[steve goldswain]

i also did the maiden voyage on the zeal we joined her in appledore then further fitting in falmouth i remember we went to new orleans also mobile and the bahamas and florida a great trip i was a ab on her we went down to join her on a coach from manchester

[John W. Reid]

I was 2 years as Chief Engineer on the Zeal. 1975 to 977.
On one occcasion we had to be towed back in to Piraeus because of serious
engine failure.
Was this the occasion that the photograph was take?

[andywright]

I can confirm the Manchester Vigour is still in service, called the Pollux, she is registered in Lebanan and has been converted to a cattle carrier. Those things used to stink when we passed them heading up the inide of the Barrier Reef.
Andy

[c.j.smith.]

I worked on both of these at appledore shipbuilders.I seem to remember that they were built without a foc,sle but after an atlantic trip they had a foc,sle deck fitted at falmouth docks.Can anyone confirm this? Nice to know they are still around even if one of them does smell a bit of livestock.

[steve goldswain]

i joined the manchester zeal in appledore we then went to falmouth for further fitting yep it had a focle allright i remember the golden hind was at appledore at the same time

[bambertino]

hi i was working at appldore shipbuilders when tese two were built, they built some fine ships over the years, think it might have been court line who owned the yard at this time

[mick james]

Originally Posted by andywright

It was the Manchester Vigour, I was on board as Nav cadet. We had a great time in Fremantle, it was supposed to be a 3 month trip, I think it went to 9 or 10 months, have to look in my discharge book.
Captain Len Taylor was the old man.
Andy

hello andy
i was the 3 mate on the vigour,when you were a nav cadet.
capt taylor sadly has since passed away
hope to here from you soon
mick