Hot off The Press.

[Brains]

UK operator Severn Link has bought its first ship to launch a new service between South Wales and Devon.


The 360-passenger FastCat Shanklin (built 1996) will link Swansea to Ilfracombe across the Bristol Channel from next March after being refurbished.

The seller is Isle of Wight operator WightLink, which has pocketed an unspecified seven-figure sum.

Another ship will also be acquired for the route, the operator has said.

 

[lukesdad]

Hooray!

 

[con gibbens]

After all the good news comes the bad - the Cat service has been cancelled til next year because of berthing problems at Swansea. We were planning a circular cycle camping trip from our home in Oxfordshire - train to Swansea - explore and camp in the area then across to Illfracombe on the ferry to join Sustrans route 3. We were going to use route 3 to Bath then the Kennet and Avon canal route and back to home. Last year we did the Plymouth to Barnstaple and this trip was to be a continuation. Never mind we can take the train to Barnstaple instead but it is still a bit of a let down missing the ferry ride!

 

[Brains]

They bought the FastCat at an auction last month, it's cost them an arm and a leg, I'd give the crossing a single season, and then they will be off to more profitable routes, the ship is designed for the routes such as Eire/Wales - high volume, fast turn around, and it really needs it sister ships, which they have not managed to buy, so that you can run a fleet.

.... and the ships are now on the market for sale ......

 

[Brains]

bump