The first shot is of PHAROS heading for lighthouse visits in South West Scotland on July 08, with HRH Princess Anne on board. HRH Princess Anne having attended Tynwald Day on July 07. The Princess disembarked  off Prestwick airport on July 09. PHAROS then returned to the Isle of Man on July 10 and was opened for public inspection.

Jenny writes: "There were no organised tours - people could go in to any area not marked with "No Admittance" signs, and it was suggested to us that we should take the long climb up to the bridge by means of the indoor staircase. There were more stairs than from the car deck of BEN-MY-CHREE, so we were a little out of breath when we arrived and the 2nd officer invited questions!

PHAROS has 18 crew, and accommodation for an additional 12 people, but these are not available for passengers, as they are needed for helicopter crews and lighthouse engineers. HRH Princess Anne, as Patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board, comes on board for occasional trips to inspect the Board's lighthouses. A signed photograph of her is on display on one of the decks.

The cabins are on two decks under the bridge, and underneath those decks the main deck has all of the usual facilities - galley and dining saloon, and a number of separate lounges, each with a bookcase and wide screen tv/video. At the rear of the accommodation block is a large boardroom with double doors out onto a deck that overlooks the working area.

The bridge is very impressive, with all round visibility, and 3 different driving positions (the main one forward, and two fully fitted consoles, one at each side aft). It appears to be fitted out with all of the electric/electronic equipment that most of us can only dream of, in triplicate!