A dismal evening departure with drizzle and mist seemed to match the mood of many on board as "Manxman" left Douglas behind for good. With the Onchan Silver Band playing, and a flotilla of small vessels once more accompanying her, including a ""guard"" from Captain Stephen Carter and the tugs "Union" and "Salisbury" of the Laxey Towing Company, she set sail for Liverpool one last time. At sea, the weather improved dramatically, and she sailed under clear skies and a bright moon with the lights of North Wales and North West England visible on the shore. After arrival, "Manxman" was to be laid up at Birkenhead pending a decision on her future.