Isle of Man Steam Packet Company offer for Mountain Course Marshals

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has launched an offer aimed at encouraging race marshals to work on both the TT and the Manx Grand Prix 2008.

The Company has liaised with the Department of Tourism & Leisure in development of the incentive, which will offer half price motorcycle and rider travel on the ferry when a marshal comes to the Island to work on the MGP, having also worked on the TT.

Both events depend on volunteer visitor marshals, who receive no payment or contribution to travel costs. Last year the MGP was short of sufficient marshals to the extent there was a risk some races would not go ahead.

As the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company plays such a large role in the TT and MGP festivals, bringing the majority of tourists, racers and marshals to the Island, the Company wanted to introduce an incentive that would be of real benefit to the races as well as to individuals. Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: “The Steam Packet Company is already a major sponsor of sporting and racing events in the Isle of Man. This is a new initiative to work in conjunction with the Department of Tourism & Leisure in a way that will hopefully ensure that both events have sufficient marshals, which clearly makes for better festivals for all involved”.

Minister for Tourism & Leisure, Adrian Earnshaw MHK has greeted the incentive with enthusiasm: “I’m pleased that we can work together with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on this innovative offer. It’s great to see such a company creating opportunities that will be of real benefit to the Island’s vital tourism industry”.

This offer cannot be booked in advance of the TT or MGP. Marshals attending both events should contact the TT Marshals Association for further details on obtaining discount refunds for their MGP trip.

Marshalling numbers positive for 2008 TT Races
Many forms already returned to TTMA offices

The Isle of Man TT Marshals Association today announced that over 360 people had already returned marshal registration forms for TT2008 after the forms were sent out last week.

Bill Carden, Chairman IOMTTMA, commented: “These figures are in line with previous year’s numbers at the same time of year so contrary to the ill-informed doom merchants, people are still showing their interest in marshalling. However we can always do with more so if anyone fancies joining the ‘Orange Army’ they should get in touch.”

A record number of people have gone through Incident Management Courses (IMC) this year; the courses are now available in many parts of the UK and here on the Island. Bill Carden commented: “The courses are proving really popular and we’ve just added our first course in Scotland due to popular demand.”

The TTMA have worked closely with the Isle of Man Constabulary to establish operational guidelines for marshals working on the Isle of Man. Superintendent Carolyn Kinrade commented: “Marshals will have clearly defined responsibilities and a recorded check list to make sure that everything required has been completed. We believe that this will make it easier for the marshals to carry out the role required.”

Adrian Earnshaw MHK, Chairman, TT Organising Committee commented: “The TT Marshals are the lifeblood of the races and without them it wouldn’t take place. I’d like to personally thank them for their hard work throughout the year I’ve already sent my form in for Brandish Corner.”

Half price travel to the Manx even competitors don't get that

No excuses now folks get sign up to marshall

Hope there will still be space for us at the marshals supper!! Lol!

thewitch Wrote:Hope there will still be space for us at the marshals supper!! Lol!

OK its something but a visitor has to have marshalled the complete TT to get the half price fare for the MGP, Can they afford to do both meetings ???????????????

BTW, there's more to come... keep watching,and get those forms in quick, so the TTMA can plan properly

Well done the Steam Packet! It would be nice to think they had been reading this board where the subject has been discussed in the past few weeks.

While I hope this helps the MGP, I agree with FC's concerns that it's a lot to ask people to do 2 weeks at the TT and come back for a further 2 weeks at the MGP on the promise of a 50% ticket rebate. A full rebate for the following year's event for anyone who does the full fortnight would be better. The Steam packet makes a lot of revenue from the races and while this initiative is welcome it would have nice to see rather more done for the Marshals - they deserve it.

Rather less welcome are Mr Carden's comments about "ill-informed doom merchants" based on 360 applications to marshal. I don't know if he's referring to those on here who have expressed views on how recent events have hit motivation, but it's worth noting that if people say nothing there are those who will assume nothing needs to be done. I hope Mr Carden's organisation succeeds in recruiting and training sufficient marshals and running a smooth event. I think we are at crunch point where it will either collapse or ride the storm. I wish him well, but there is no room for complacency.

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