Largest sailing ship in the World visits the Isle of Man
2nd September, 2013
The world's largest sailing ship has anchored in the Isle of Man.
The 535 ft (162m) Wind Surf, a Windstar fleet vessel, has five masts and can accommodate more than 300 guests.
Geoff Corkish MHK, said the visit would provide a "welcome boost" for the Manx economy.
According to the Department of Economic Development (DED) 18 cruise ships will visit the island in 2013, bringing an estimated 9,500 passengers.
Head of Tourism Angela Byrne said: "This market is showing immense growth across Europe and we've got 18 cruises booked in to visit the Isle of Man this year, which is the most ever.
"We've already got 13 provisional bookings for 2014. We have never had pre-bookings of that number before.
"Over the past couple of years we have been pushing at this market and we are even looking at the possibility of a deep water birth."
In 2012, 14 cruise ships brought more than 6,000 people to the island.
