THE "VALENCAY" IN THE HARBOUR
Being turned in August 1965
By John Quinton
An interesting photo for two reasons.
Firstly, Valencay is almost brand new in this photo, having only started on the route on July 7th.
Secondly, she's being turned in the harbour in calm summer weather. As our three car ferries were stern-loading only, they would usually turn outside the harbour and enter the harbour stern-first. The French 'V' twins, Villandry and Valencay, were fitted with bow thrusters, so they could enter bow-first and then turn themselves around in good weather, but it was unusual. Meeching would assist in poor weather, but she's clearly at her usual berth at No.5 Stage.
Perhaps Valencay's crew were just testing things to see if they could do it OK. Another possibility is that the ship's Master isn't yet qualified to carry out the stern-first entry. Valencay is flying the signal flag for H, meaning that the harbour pilot is in control.
Andy-Editor