Fun times. As others have mentioned, the trick is to wait until the last ferry before the service is cancelled, because it guarantees you'll get the best thrill ride possible over to Manly and back. I once did this with a friend during a big storm in the early 80's, wearing full rain weather gear, and stood on the lower deck to get the full effect of the sea and spray coming in. The conditions got too bad for some, however, and the next thing we knew someone on the deck above was throwing up over the side, sending it spattering down all around us. We moved as close to the bow as we dared so that we could get soaked enough to wash it all off. :)
I recall the first time I had a really rough crossing. Took me by surprise as I'd travelled on the big old ferries quite often. The swell was pretty wild when in line with the gap between the heads. I had seen it really wild once in 1964. I was just a little kid and for those who remember the ferries Dee Why and Curl Curl, they'd remember they were sisters who had two very tall stacks - much taller than the others. Standing on Manly wharf everyone was amazed that the Dee Why with those tall stacks was disappearing completely when she went into a trough. I would not have enjoyed that trip.
I remember riding the old ferries back in the 1970's as a young teen with my sisters in weather like this. Use to lean over just back from the bow whilst my sisters stayed inside and by the time we got from Circular Quay to Manly I was drenched. Wonderful experience.
Best spot was just down the stairs from the bow. You would stay mostly dry but still get the thrill of the waves towering over the old girls while also being able to see the waves washing in through the main doors and all the way across the cabin and out the other side.
LOL, One of the best thrill rides ever 10-15 minutes going through the Heads when it's like this is a truly exhilarating experience. Thanks for the upload :)
Im surprised services werent suspended. But as wild as this looks it pales in comparison to completing the trip on the South Steyne or Curl Curl in similar conditions. Whenever the weather was like this my father used to take my sister and I on the run to Manly and back for the roller coaster ride and fresh cinnamon donuts on the Manly wharf. Waves would wash in to the main cabin, right across the deck and out the opposite side. Being up on the bow was still permitted and ensured a complete drenching. The best spot was just below the stairs leading up to the forecastle which was partially enclosed for a length. You could stay dry and get the best view of the waves coming in, towering over the ferry when at the bottom of troughs. I think Im getting old. 😂
I agree they were the ferries I grew up on, it was my mother that would take us on them when it got rough..lol...I also loved the hydrofoil in rough sees, they always shut them down before they shut down the ferries. I think the old ferries originally sailed out from Scotland! Thanks for your reply to my comment on this video
@@tory3625 You're right. I seem to recall being told that they had temporary plates along the sides on the lower deck to keep bigger seas from breaking on board as they sailed them to Australia.
These ferry captains are sublime in their understanding of the frequency and amplitude of the swell rolling in. I’ve enjoyed this ride a number of times on these ferries and the South Steyne and North Head. An essential harbour city highlight.
They'd have to be to be able to sail across seas coming in on the beam like that, especially with the risk of broaching. As bad as it could get - and some I've been on across the heads were rough enough to have you memorizing where the lifebuoys were located - I always remained cognizant of just how experienced the captains are and how many years old glories like the South Steyne have put in plying those waters. I'll be sad to see them go. Lots of memories tied into those old ferries.
'Rock & Roll'! 👍😀 And for some it's a 🤢 ride. On board is best listening to the passengers Whoas Whoos and Whahs as she rocks and rolls past the heads.
Beautifully done Haig , its never like this when i go , i always seem to miss out! . I just adore the Freshwater class ferries , and was lucky enough to do my school work experience on the M.V Freshwater back in 1989.....i have the best memories ever.
@@ihaig72 yes been following this topic as best I can , was extremely disappointed and depressed when I 1st heard it . I've heard nothing of late and was hoping they have been given a retrieve for now.
The Emerald-class would be next in an episode of Seconds from Disaster if sailed on those waves. The Freshwater-class are proper ocean-going vessels and can handle just about anything. Made in Newcastle, NSW using Australian steel. If only a government could build something like this now instead of contributing to the national brain drain by importing boats one wouldn't sail across a bath tub with.
If they think the new ferries they are proposing for this run will handle that they’ve got rocks in the heads. I can remember back in the ferries like the South Steyne would have handled that with ease. We are planning a ferry trip on the next like this just for the fun of it.
Incredible scenes you've captured. I have travelled to Manly from Circular Quay, both ways and its a beautiful ride but never like this. Was good to watch this. Thanks Haig. Just loved watching the monster waves and how the ship bravely paved it's way out through. This is so powerful video captured. My salute to the captain and the crew of the great ship.
Charlie Drake, (who was famous for his song "My boomerang won't come back) Not Politically correct, but a very funny song wrote and sang a song called "Tommy, the Pommy Jackaroo" He was heading back to Mother England in one of the verses of that song he says "we'd had some beer, and were I fear a good deal more than merry I climbed aboard and cried "Good Lord" I was on the Manly Ferry.
Most of the Manly Ferries were built in Australia., Freshwater Class in Newcastle and B Class ie Baragoola, North Head, and Bellubera and others were all constructed in Sydney.. Dee Why, Curl Curl and South Steyne were made in the UK. Just saying
Few cities have such vessels. Such large ships being thrown about like bobbing corks yet they take the rough ride in their stride. This isn't an international service - it is part of Sydney's metropolitan public transport and us Sydneysiders have something that Melburnians will only ever enjoy whilst on a holiday. World-famous, iconic and perfectly safe.
@@timwilde4200 They were built in Australia they are Freshwater class .The Queenscliff was retired a couple of days ago . They are being replaced by Catamarans absolutely ridiculous.They were built in the 1980s
@@JB-ie9hj I was referring to the ferries I grew up with, like the Curl Curl, Dee Why, and South Steyne, which were built in Scotland and sailed out. I haven't lived in Sydney for a long time, so I wasn't aware they had long been retired. They were the ferries of my younger days, sailing the route between the Quay and Manly.
Ah yes! Seeing the ferry from above by drone or chopper shows a whole new perspective. Now I understand why the Manly Ferries roll so much... they are double-ended! A rudder and prop at each end with no stern. Is that so they can steer into any dock without having to turn around? They are equal in shape end to end. No wider stern to help with stability. I wonder if they were perhaps never designed to go out into open water? Is this one going from Sydney Harbour around to Botany Bay? That's a pretty rough trip at the best of times.
That's exactly it. They're designed to be able to head straight into a busy terminal like Sydney's circular Quay - it's so busy that it would be impossible trying to manage them all if they had to turn around and reverse in. One of the fun things to do at Circular Quay in fact is go to the Manly terminal over to the right (nearest the Opera House) and watch as one of the big ferries comes in and hits the bow prop to slow down - all the water turns into a frothing and roiling maelstrom as the ferry comes to its own version of a screeching stop.
just got the news manly ferries are going to retire next year except one and watched your video! one of my favorite waterways, feeling down! :( may i use some snaps from your film?
The South Steyne, North Head, Baragoola, had propellers that push and pulled, that operated when the vessel was going forward or astern. Interesting that the Freshwaters have push only propellers and the one that in not used is feathered.
you caught their turn off south head to return innto the harbour after their initial leg heading for NA ti aviod the whole crossing side on to the waves
They go both directions. They pull in to the quay and the captain simply relocates to the other bridge and away they go. They never need to turn around.
There's an old Sydney ferry run a ground at admiralty Island here in cairns still to this day, Chinese buyer with plans for a resturant/hotel off Port Douglas. Just another pipe dream taken by the waves.. the old girl is pretty run down now sadly
Was it 1973 when we lost the walkway from Marineland to the wharf. I think that's the biggest swell I've seen. Just ask the CBC boys who took the last ferry of the day .
I'm Surprised To See The Forward Screw Locked In Position, Not Even Feathered!! This Must Create Tremendous Drag, When Both Screws Could Be Working, For Maximum Speed And Efficiency; (The Leading Screw In Reverse, Of Course!!). If They Can't Do That, It Must Mean Higher Cost Than A Variable Screw, Which Could Be Feathered!!
They only endure the heavy swells for a short distance across the entrance to Sydney Harbour. If it gets really rough they do stop the service. Never been any incidents in my life time. The previous generation of ferries were an even wilder ride. They were longer, narrower and sat lower in the water. They were sailed out from England where they were built. That is a journey I wouldn’t have wanted to take.
Fun times. As others have mentioned, the trick is to wait until the last ferry before the service is cancelled, because it guarantees you'll get the best thrill ride possible over to Manly and back. I once did this with a friend during a big storm in the early 80's, wearing full rain weather gear, and stood on the lower deck to get the full effect of the sea and spray coming in. The conditions got too bad for some, however, and the next thing we knew someone on the deck above was throwing up over the side, sending it spattering down all around us. We moved as close to the bow as we dared so that we could get soaked enough to wash it all off. :)
I recall the first time I had a really rough crossing. Took me by surprise as I'd travelled on the big old ferries quite often. The swell was pretty wild when in line with the gap between the heads. I had seen it really wild once in 1964. I was just a little kid and for those who remember the ferries Dee Why and Curl Curl, they'd remember they were sisters who had two very tall stacks - much taller than the others. Standing on Manly wharf everyone was amazed that the Dee Why with those tall stacks was disappearing completely when she went into a trough. I would not have enjoyed that trip.
I remember riding the old ferries back in the 1970's as a young teen with my sisters in weather like this. Use to lean over just back from the bow whilst my sisters stayed inside and by the time we got from Circular Quay to Manly I was drenched. Wonderful experience.
I used to wag school and go ride those ferries anytime there was a sea running.
Best spot was just down the stairs from the bow. You would stay mostly dry but still get the thrill of the waves towering over the old girls while also being able to see the waves washing in through the main doors and all the way across the cabin and out the other side.
It's like a whole amusement park in one ride!
'As the Manly ferry cuts its way to Circular Quay'. Reckless - Australian Crawl
Thrilling, plus the music was perfect and captured the drama well.
….I bet the kiosk wasn’t busy that morning 😎. Wow what a way to start your day !
LOL, One of the best thrill rides ever 10-15 minutes going through the Heads when it's like this is a truly exhilarating experience. Thanks for the upload :)
Sure is and. Well known for it. Let’s hope we never loose these boats.
Im surprised services werent suspended.
But as wild as this looks it pales in comparison to completing the trip on the South Steyne or Curl Curl in similar conditions.
Whenever the weather was like this my father used to take my sister and I on the run to Manly and back for the roller coaster ride and fresh cinnamon donuts on the Manly wharf.
Waves would wash in to the main cabin, right across the deck and out the opposite side. Being up on the bow was still permitted and ensured a complete drenching. The best spot was just below the stairs leading up to the forecastle which was partially enclosed for a length.
You could stay dry and get the best view of the waves coming in, towering over the ferry when at the bottom of troughs.
I think Im getting old. 😂
I agree they were the ferries I grew up on, it was my mother that would take us on them when it got rough..lol...I also loved the hydrofoil in rough sees, they always shut them down before they shut down the ferries. I think the old ferries originally sailed out from Scotland! Thanks for your reply to my comment on this video
@@tory3625 You're right. I seem to recall being told that they had temporary plates along the sides on the lower deck to keep bigger seas from breaking on board as they sailed them to Australia.
Now that's a ferry ride I could enjoy!
It’s fun when the sea is up. Had some great trips accross the heads.
Magic. I miss Sydney...
I like watching this from the comfort of my chair.
Sala de tv
Brilliant work! And it will be a memory in the not-too-distant future :-(
Back in the day …The North Steyne would plow through whatever The Heads dished out…everybody upstairs and water flowing through the lower level
These ferry captains are sublime in their understanding of the frequency and amplitude of the swell rolling in. I’ve enjoyed this ride a number of times on these ferries and the South Steyne and North Head. An essential harbour city highlight.
They'd have to be to be able to sail across seas coming in on the beam like that, especially with the risk of broaching. As bad as it could get - and some I've been on across the heads were rough enough to have you memorizing where the lifebuoys were located - I always remained cognizant of just how experienced the captains are and how many years old glories like the South Steyne have put in plying those waters. I'll be sad to see them go. Lots of memories tied into those old ferries.
'Rock & Roll'! 👍😀
And for some it's a 🤢 ride.
On board is best listening to the passengers Whoas Whoos and Whahs as she rocks and rolls past the heads.
Beautifully done Haig , its never like this when i go , i always seem to miss out! . I just adore the Freshwater class ferries , and was lucky enough to do my school work experience on the M.V Freshwater back in 1989.....i have the best memories ever.
PianolaDanOz and let’s hope they don’t get rid of them for the sake of what Sydney needs.
@@ihaig72 yes been following this topic as best I can , was extremely disappointed and depressed when I 1st heard it . I've heard nothing of late and was hoping they have been given a retrieve for now.
Cant imagine an Emerald class ferry doing that
The Emerald-class would be next in an episode of Seconds from Disaster if sailed on those waves. The Freshwater-class are proper ocean-going vessels and can handle just about anything. Made in Newcastle, NSW using Australian steel. If only a government could build something like this now instead of contributing to the national brain drain by importing boats one wouldn't sail across a bath tub with.
A magnificent production .. well done !
Rockin, rockin and a rollin.
Out to the deck im strollin.
I used to love going on the ferries in a big sea.. Great fun
A sight not to be seen again. Would love to see footage of Fairlight getting swamped.
If they think the new ferries they are proposing for this run will handle that they’ve got rocks in the heads. I can remember back in the ferries like the South Steyne would have handled that with ease. We are planning a ferry trip on the next like this just for the fun of it.
I am from Melbourne and once I cruised in one of these ships to Manly in similar situation. It was thrilling.
Incredible scenes you've captured. I have travelled to Manly from Circular Quay, both ways and its a beautiful ride but never like this. Was good to watch this. Thanks Haig. Just loved watching the monster waves and how the ship bravely paved it's way out through. This is so powerful video captured. My salute to the captain and the crew of the great ship.
I miss riding the manly ferry
Well droned!
Charlie Drake, (who was famous for his song "My boomerang won't come back)
Not Politically correct, but a very funny song
wrote and sang a song called "Tommy, the Pommy Jackaroo"
He was heading back to Mother England
in one of the verses of that song he says
"we'd had some beer, and were I fear a good deal more than merry
I climbed aboard and cried "Good Lord"
I was on the Manly Ferry.
I'm that old, I've enjoyed both the North Head and the Sth. Steyne...lol
best commute in the world
Wow! Quite rare to see a double front ended boat ! Quite a nice video!
That’s a good video, I suspect they were close to stopping it . Boy it really buries the bow a few times . Love it when he turns.
Most of the Manly Ferries were built in Australia., Freshwater Class in Newcastle and B Class ie Baragoola, North Head, and Bellubera and others were all constructed in Sydney.. Dee Why, Curl Curl and South Steyne were made in the UK. Just saying
Just great information.... just sayin......
Outstanding!!!!!
I love the trip out on the Manly Ferry, never been on it that rough though.
Fantastic footage Haig. OMG, how well do these ferries handle the swell?
A perfect motion sickness tolerance test.
Few cities have such vessels. Such large ships being thrown about like bobbing corks yet they take the rough ride in their stride. This isn't an international service - it is part of Sydney's metropolitan public transport and us Sydneysiders have something that Melburnians will only ever enjoy whilst on a holiday. World-famous, iconic and perfectly safe.
This ferry is great.
I loved being on the ferries in stormy weather, what a great ride. Sadly, these ferries are going elsewhere. They will be sadly missed
Oh? What's happening to them? Those old ferries have been around forever and came out from the UK, if memory serves me correctly.
@@timwilde4200 They were built in Australia they are Freshwater class .The Queenscliff was retired a couple of days ago .
They are being replaced by Catamarans absolutely ridiculous.They were built in the 1980s
@@JB-ie9hj I was referring to the ferries I grew up with, like the Curl Curl, Dee Why, and South Steyne, which were built in Scotland and sailed out. I haven't lived in Sydney for a long time, so I wasn't aware they had long been retired. They were the ferries of my younger days, sailing the route between the Quay and Manly.
As did my grandmother. She liked to be on the last ferry before services were suspended. I'm talking of the mid-50's and a bit later.
Brilliant drone photography Haig..Jill #hjilly
My grandmother liked to be on the last ferry before the service was suspended because of conditions like these.
Yep, that was the trick, wait until the last one when there was a storm on.
This is great footage. What did you shoot this with?
Ah yes! Seeing the ferry from above by drone or chopper shows a whole new perspective.
Now I understand why the Manly Ferries roll so much... they are double-ended!
A rudder and prop at each end with no stern. Is that so they can steer into any dock without having to turn around?
They are equal in shape end to end. No wider stern to help with stability.
I wonder if they were perhaps never designed to go out into open water?
Is this one going from Sydney Harbour around to Botany Bay?
That's a pretty rough trip at the best of times.
That's exactly it. They're designed to be able to head straight into a busy terminal like Sydney's circular Quay - it's so busy that it would be impossible trying to manage them all if they had to turn around and reverse in. One of the fun things to do at Circular Quay in fact is go to the Manly terminal over to the right (nearest the Opera House) and watch as one of the big ferries comes in and hits the bow prop to slow down - all the water turns into a frothing and roiling maelstrom as the ferry comes to its own version of a screeching stop.
Ahh the drinking school on the back of the 5.20. 3 cans in all weather between Circular Quay and Manly. Fun times 😂
You know you'll get there with them.
Magnificent vessels.
It is a wonderful experience to be on the Manly ferry when the waves are big enough to go over the top.
Pretty ship, by the way
Done thus many times living at Seaforth nsw2092.
That looks like fun
just got the news manly ferries are going to retire next year except one and watched your video! one of my favorite waterways, feeling down! :( may i use some snaps from your film?
i'm chucking up just watching this
What drone you use as I have a mavic pro
WOW WOW WOW
Surfing in a Manly Ferry? Hey, why not!!
The South Steyne, North Head, Baragoola, had propellers that push and pulled, that operated when the vessel was going forward or astern. Interesting that the Freshwaters have push only propellers and the one that in not used is feathered.
MV Collaroy has both props engaged. Push-pull.
you caught their turn off south head to return innto the harbour after their initial leg heading for NA ti aviod the whole crossing side on to the waves
anyone else come from the taitset vid?
Well done to the crew. I was a bit concerned when the boat was broadside to the waves, it could have rolled and capsized, but they brought it around.
....."and you 'chunder in the ol' Pacific sea!"
Yep, been there done that
Master and Commander - The Far Side of the Harbour
Sea shanty time
Noice.
Which end is the bow and which is the stern?
They go both directions. They pull in to the quay and the captain simply relocates to the other bridge and away they go. They never need to turn around.
@@Squashed8Ball so they have props at both ends?
@@Mahalo_83 Yes.
@@Mahalo_83 And rudders.
😳
#savethemanlyferries
I watched this when everyone around me insisted on riding the manly fast ferry
There's an old Sydney ferry run a ground at admiralty Island here in cairns still to this day, Chinese buyer with plans for a resturant/hotel off Port Douglas. Just another pipe dream taken by the waves.. the old girl is pretty run down now sadly
Yes that's the formerManly Ferry North Head
What a shoot man
I was on that ferry and shot video from inside
Back in the day ridding the front in your wetsuit
Was it 1973 when we lost the walkway from Marineland to the wharf. I think that's the biggest swell I've seen. Just ask the CBC boys who took the last ferry of the day .
Yes it was. I remember it well.
I'm Surprised To See The Forward Screw Locked In Position, Not Even Feathered!! This Must Create Tremendous Drag, When Both Screws Could Be Working, For Maximum Speed And Efficiency; (The Leading Screw In Reverse, Of Course!!). If They Can't Do That, It Must Mean Higher Cost Than A Variable Screw, Which Could Be Feathered!!
These ships were built in Newcastle Australia not Scotland or pommy land
Won't be doing that on the new ones..
Wot? No one on the upper deck !!!!!!!!
so....don't take the ferry to Sydney?
A daily occurrence in the Cook Strait NZ.😂
That is open ocean - this is a commuter ferry in the Harbour - a lot different.
@@hardknuckle8143 yep, maybe he hasn’t heard of Bass Strait...
Trust a kiwi to start a pissing contest. lol Next he'll be throwing the America's Cup at us. :)
This is how rich people get to work in Australia.
The magic word mate is ‘work’
Why in the name of all that is holy did that vessel put to in such conditions??
They have a schedule to keep...
They only endure the heavy swells for a short distance across the entrance to Sydney Harbour. If it gets really rough they do stop the service. Never been any incidents in my life time. The previous generation of ferries were an even wilder ride. They were longer, narrower and sat lower in the water. They were sailed out from England where they were built. That is a journey I wouldn’t have wanted to take.
@@Squashed8Ball Yep, that was one hell of a ride back in those days.
looks alittle top-heavy and running too fast for those seas
Maybe it looks that way, but they have done it for almost forty years without any issues.
And they want to ditch these seawurty craft for smaller boats. Typical of an insurance companu
Outstanding!!!