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New fast catamaran to join the Condor fleet

Condor Ferries has added a further wave-piercing fast catamaran to its fleet.

The new ship, called Condor Rapide, is a younger sister of the well- known Condor Vitesse and Condor Express and is in Weymouth being prepared for service in Condor Ferries livery inside and out.

Condor Ferries operates ferry services to Western France and the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey out of Poole, Weymouth and Portsmouth.

The 86 metre fast cat will sail between Jersey, Guernsey and St Malo and replaces Condor 10 which had been in service since 1993. She is expected to come into service in late May.

Prior to joining the Condor Ferries fleet which operates from the Dorset ports of Weymouth and Poole the ship sailed for brief periods in Australia and across the English Channel. She is most notable for her service as part of the Royal Australian Navy when she was known as HMAS Jervis Bay.

The ship was the first large catamaran to be used in a naval capacity and took part in the international peacekeeping taskforce in East Timor transporting troops and aid as well as rescuing people.

Says Condor Ferries managing director Simon Edsall: “Our investment in Condor Rapide demonstrates belief in our business and confidence as a major ferry operator in the Western part of the English Channel.

“She is in excellent condition, her previous owners have invested a seven figure sum in upgrades, and Condor Ferries will spend further substantial sums in the coming months to ensure she meets the highest standards.”

Condor Rapide will increase capacity for those wanting to travel from the popular South Coast ports of Weymouth and Poole to St Malo in France with their car this summer.

Although the ship is just 12 metres longer than Condor 10, the interior space in both the passenger areas and on the car deck is significantly larger. This will be particularly evident in areas such as the duty free shop which is almost twice as big.

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