SS Ellan Vannin (1854) SS Ellan Vannin (1854) SS (RMS) "Ellan Vannin" was an iron-built packet steamer which was operated out of Castletown, Isle of Man for the Castletown Steam Navigation Company (also referred to as the Castletown Steam Packet Company) to Liverpool and Whitehaven. Her name, Ellan Vannin, came from the Gaelic term by which the Isle of Man is known. "Ellan Vannin" was built by John Laird and Co. Ltd, Wallasey Pool, Birkenhead and was launched by Mrs. H. Houldsworth at 13:00hrs on Saturday 24 June 1854. Length 170'; beam 21' (exclusive of the paddle boxes) 39' overall. "Ellan Vannin" was powered
SS Ellan Vannin (1854) the result being a dead heat. Subsequently the "Ellan Vannin" sailed down the channel as far as the Bell Buoy and back, during the course of which her speed was gauged by Captain Ponsonby on board the "Mobile". A two knot tide was running against her, however the "Ellan Vannin" covered the distance from the Northwest Lightship to the Rock Lighthouse in 1 hour 12 minutes. Luncheon was then served, the directors being joined by John Laird who had been on deck observing the trial. The "Ellan Vannin" made her maiden voyage from Liverpool to Castletown on Tuesday 1 August,