The brand new and much-anticipated Floating Bridge No. 6 has arrived in Cowes this morning (Saturday), marking the start of a new era for the short but vital Cowes-East Cowes transport link.
The chain-driven vessel, built by Mainstay Marine in Wales, has been making its way around the country to its new home on the River Medina over the past few days. It has arrived in Cowes under a shroud of fog which has engulfed the Solent.
It is hoped that No. 6 will come into operation in the next couple of weeks following crew training and testing of the systems. The slipways on both sides of the Medina have been adjusted to fit the much larger vessel, which is expected to be put on the chains shortly.
The previous floating bridge, No. 5, served between Cowes and East Cowes for a staggering 40 years and was retired on 3rd January. If No. 6 serves the same service then she will operate between the 2 coastal towns until 2057, out living many Islanders.
A competition has been launched to rename the new vessel with the controversial but funny ‘Floaty McFloat Face’ still in the running.
Drone footage thanks to Alex R
