[1] At that time the St George Steam Packet Company were the primary operators on the route with their vessel the Sophia Jane under the command of Lieutenant Tudor, RN, but the ship was very unpopular in terms of comfort and reliability.

Unlike the Sophia Jane the Mona's Isle had been designed primarily to shelter passengers and had spacious and comfortable cabins.

[4] The early defeats were probably caused by the fact that Mona's Isle's new engine took time to run in and full speed was not attainable at first.

Mona's Isle, however, had proved herself capable of travelling between Liverpool and Douglas in eight hours at a speed of 8.5 knots (15.7 km/h; 9.8 mph).

On Friday 19 November 1830, under the command of Lieutenant John Tudor RN, the St George arrived in Douglas from Liverpool with mail and passengers.

[6] Once her passengers and mail were unloaded, the St George proceeded to take her anchorage in the vicinity of Conister Rock using the fixed chain cable which had been secured for the task.

[6] Through the efforts of Sir William Hillary, founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the crew of the St. George were saved.

Gill on seeing the predicament of the St George was able to break away from his mooring and put to sea, thus avoiding a similar fate.

[1] Captain Gill's understanding of the winds, currents and tides between the Isle of Man and Liverpool was of particular renown and he gained a reputation as a fearless and daring commander and ultimately one of the most successful, rarely known to turn back in heavy weather.

[1] It was said that he had on several occasions left the Port of Liverpool when no other commander would, and that during his time at sea not one single life was lost from any vessel placed under his charge.

"[3] The dismissed directors sought to establish a rival shipping company to the Isle of Man Steam Packet and acquired a 300-ton steamer which they named Monarch.

Captain Gill, as the discoverer of the Victoria Channel, has rendered essential service to the port of Liverpool, and has claims on our merchants and shipowners.

Gill would be always taking various bearings from his positions to places on the shore, such as the Leasowe Castle and the Beacon on Bidston Hill.

[9] A record of the depth of the water at various states of the tide was found by two sailors, one port and one starboard using a lead line, and this would be logged by Capt.

[9] In addition to the silver articles there were three handsome papier mache waiters and a complete service of china in white and rich gold.

The silver article, had the initials W. G. upon them, with the principal inscription "To Captain William Gill, the discoverer of the Victoria Channel into Liverpool."

Through public subscription he received a silver inscribed plate commemorating his charting of the Victoria Channel and a purse of 100 guineas.

[1] Having only recently retired he was enticed back to sea the following year to assist in the establishment of a small shipping line in his native Ramsey.