Wightlink has announced that it will soon run a 3-boat service on its Yarmouth-Lymington service, adding more than 850 additional sailings compared to last year’s timetable.
The cross-Solent operator says the changes, which will come into effect from April 2026, are in response to greater customer demand and emphasises Wightlink’s commitment to the route.
The increase in sailings, a rise of over 8% on last year, will also reduce pinch-points in availability at high demand periods, meaning more opportunity for travel as well as providing more capacity for Multilink users.
The extra sailings will be delivered by utilising all three Wight Class ferries on the route at the busiest travel times, typically Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays when the 3-boat service will see departures from Yarmouth and Lymington every 40 minutes at peak times.
By the end of March 2026, all 3 boats serving the route will have fully refurbished passenger lounges and an enhanced retail offering in addition to their full annual maintenance programme. This further demonstrates Wightlink’s commitment to running a reliable, safe and customer-focused service.
Katy Taylor, Wightlink’s CEO, has said:
“We have listened to customers asking for additional sailings and more flexibility. The enhanced timetable and investment in our fleet reflect our commitment to growing the route both for Islanders and crucially, to bringing visitors to the Island. Importantly, it also expands options for Islanders and our Multilink users.
“Additional sailings will support our strategy to grow visitor numbers to the Island which will be underpinned by a significantly uplifted advertising spend throughout 2026 to promote the Island as a leading UK destination for holidays and day trips.”
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The news comes just hours after it was revealed Brian Johnson CBE has been appointed by the Government as the independent chair of the newly formed Cross-Solent Transport Group. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/government-appoints-maritime-figure-as-chair-of-cross-solent-transport-group/.
They need to improve capacity leaving the island on Sundays.
This is great news. The Lymington Yarmouth service is the nicest, most civilised, dog friendly crossing. Delighted to hear there will be more crossings.
With all the extra sailings and revenue raised and
profits made, surely ferry fares for island residents can
be reduced.
The Wightlink Yarmouth – Lymington route is, without doubt, the best way to get between the Island and the mainland.
Quickest and most scenic, yet the most expensive.
Utter rubbish,prices are the same as fishy to pompey,why dont you research things before you spout your rubbish.
‘More capacity for multilink users’ you say. WHY do you limit these types of tickets per sailing anyway. It makes no sense. It should be done on a first come first served basis…. but no, you’d sooner see a part full vessel sail away because ‘that type of ticket is sold out’….
Have they increased late sailings.. as in later times…?