Wightlink’s foot passenger service, connecting Ryde Pier Head with Portsmouth Harbour, started operating again this morning (Thursday) for the first time in 2021.
The first FastCat sailing of the year was the 05:15 from the mainland with the return trip from Ryde at 05:45 having 16 passengers on board.
The route was suspended on Christmas Eve 2020 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Regular traveller Steve Long was on the first departure from Ryde, on his way to work in Portsmouth. He has been commuting for more than 20 years.
Steve says:
“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”.
Keith Greenfield, CEO of Wightlink, says:
“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.”
The route will be an hourly service with 2 catamarans operating on school holiday weekends and during the Isle of Wight Festival in September.
During the winter, both FastCats have undergone regular maintenance with dry-docking and refits at the Trafalgar Shipyard in Portchester to make sure they are in the best condition ready for a busy summer.
