The first direct link between Sydney and Manly was arranged by Henry Gilbert Smith in 1855 when he chartered a paddle steamer, "Huntress", to service the subdivision of his land near The Corso. Further ferries were chartered over following years until, in 1859, the first larger double-ender ferry on the Manly run, "Phantom", was put into service by a new business partnership established to operate the ferries. Extra boats, including tugs, were also chartered for use on weekends and holidays due to the popularity of Manly's beaches and coves. A new company, Port Jackson Steamboat Co. Ltd., was formed in 1877. The company was reincorporated in 1881 as Port Jackson Steamship Co. Ltd., and further new vesels were acquired, the largest being the 1883 double-ended paddle steamer, "Brighton". At in length, it was the largest ferry on Sydney Harbour, and with a high level of appointment, it was a passenger favourite.