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The delivery of the 37.4 metre, 272 passenger "Draiocht na Farraige" is a monument to the persistence of both builders, WaveMaster International, and owners Island Ferries Teo of Ireland. Both parties were determined to put an economical aluminium ferry on the Galway Aran Island run, yet had to contend with local regulations which limited overall length and called for structural materials with equivalent properties to steel. The Irish Department of Marine, in line with European Community regulations require a steel deck. Protracted negotiations resulted in the lifting of the permitted length to an economic size, and the inclusion of steel 3 mm plating in the deck above the engine room. "Draiocht na Farraige" (the English translation is "Magic of the Sea") joins a fleet of four smaller conventional ferries serving the ten mile commuter and tourist route. Exposed to the full fetch of the North Atlantic, sea and swell conditions can be extreme and WaveMaster tailored form and scantlings of the monhull to suit. Bottom plate thickness around the substantial keel is 8mm; the lines forward are fine, the deadrise steep. Incorporation of a second chine allows a narrower waterline beam which rapidly picks up buoyancy and stability with immersion. The decks are given a vinyl finish rather than carpet to suit the wet and consequently muddy climate, however, the selection of noise reduction materials has kept noise levels below 74dBA. The main boarding area between the main deck saloons is given exceptional space for fast passenger dispersal fore and aft and upwards, and to make life congenial around the large kiosk. Guinness, naturally, will be available here, but in cans rather than kegs; to suit the short passage times. Power is by three Caterpillar 3412's driving convential screws. Engine choice was also governed by local conditions: service and spaces are available locally, and two local trawlers use the same engines with a good reliability record. The engine room, reached via an internal hatchway, is the usual spacious WaveMaster affair, with good access all around the main engines and the two Perkins gensets. Simple engine changing routines are designed-in via soft patches. Photo Collection! Note: There are two photo pages. Page 1 has 4 photos (total image download - 54 kbs) Page 2 has 5 photos (total image download - 55 kbs) These photos show the boat from multiple angles, including the interior and exterior. If you'd like to view the detailed photos of "Magic of The Sea", have a look here. We hope you get a chance to experience the pleasureable, luxurious ride that the Draiocht na Farraige has to offer, and look forward to seeing you soon.

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		Victoria Place, Galway, Co. Galway, Tel: +353 - 91 - 568903 also: +353 - 91 - 561767 Fax: +353 - 91 - 568538 Ros a'Mhil Tel: +353 - 91 - 572050 Evenings: +353 - 91 - 572273 Fax: +353 - 91 - 572448 Please Email Us FOR MORE INFO