Wightlink catamarans resume pasenger service for first time since Christmas
A FERRY service connecting Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight has been resumed for the first time since Christmas.
Wightlink’s fast cat ferries, which sail between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde, have welcomed back foot passengers after the service was suspended on December 24 last year.
The move comes as coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to be eased by the government.
Regular traveller Steve Long was on the first departure from Ryde at 5.15am, and has been travelling to Portsmouth via ferry for more than 20 years.
He said: ‘It’s great to be back and I’m sure the FastCats will be very popular this summer.
‘I always enjoy crossing the Solent with Wightlink, the crew are friendly and it’s a good start to the day.’
The route will be an hourly service with two catamarans operating on school holiday weekends and during the Isle of Wight Festival in September.
During the winter, both fast cats have undergone regular maintenance with dry-docking and refits at the Trafalgar Shipyard in Portchester
Wightlink chief executive Keith Greenfield said: ‘We know it’s been a long wait for our regular FastCat customers and we thank them for their patience. We are delighted that our Portsmouth-Ryde service is now back as demand for leisure travel increases.
‘Both of our catamarans are Covid-secure at all times with the highest standards of cleanliness. Mask wearing is still required.
‘Our passenger numbers are currently reduced to allow social distancing but our ships and FastCats are spacious and comfortable with plenty of room.’