Fast Ferry no threat to the real thing

In order to maximise sports viewing time, and to empty another schooner on the BotF Bar Review Map, the BotF boys tried out the Fast Ferry.

First, the compliments. It is a pretty slick service. The availability of refreshments on board is welcome. The crew are friendly. The promise of a fast trip home is delivered. There is no chance of being busted by an undercover cop for drinking out the back. But….

As a place to unwind and catch up with the lads after a day’s work, the Fast Ferry just does not hold a candle to the Manly Ferry. The first problem is that it is too fast. Conversations need to be rushed and the important issues du jour cannot be dissected finely enough. The second problem is that the wind factor created by the speed at which the Fast Ferry travels renders the large group discussion impossible. Basically you have to almost touch foreheads with your fellow interlocutor. A three way conversation is very difficult until you reach the no wash zone.

So, as a form of efficient transport, the Fast Ferry delivers in spades, but this correspondent will only use it if it is known that there are undercover cops on the Manly Ferry. That has been a problem of late, with reported finings on the 6pm Friday ferrry a couple of weeks ago. A number of Manly Ferry regulars now religiously get the Friday Fast Ferry because of the increased security presence on the Manly Ferry on Fridays. It hasn’t reached that point for BotF, but there’ll be some strongly worded correspondence to our new premier if it does.