Condor Ferries makes its maiden voyage from Weymouth

On 17 July, Condor Ferries welcomed over 350 guests on board the Condor Vitesse, as the company embarked on its first sailing from Weymouth Port for 17 months.

Hundreds of spectators were on hand to wave the vessel off on its way to Guernsey and Jersey, re-opening the historic ferry link between Weymouth and the Channel Islands.

Amongst the guests on board for the inaugural sailing were John and Rosemary Bowditch from Weymouth, who were celebrating their 25^th wedding anniversary with a day trip to Guernsey. Mr and Mrs Bowditch, who were married just months after Condor Ferries first began to operate from Weymouth, were presented with a bouquet of flowers by Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Councillor Ray Banham as they embarked, in celebration of their special day.

Also making the journey across the Channel was Margaret Durrant, who had travelled over 3,000 miles from her home in Toronto, Canada to take the ferry across to Guernsey.

Alicia Andrews, Sales and Marketing Director at Condor Ferries, commented: “We always intended to return to Weymouth, once the ferry port was repaired, and it’s great to see that day finally arrive. Weymouth is the natural gateway to the Channel Islands, and we know that many of our guests are excited about being able to travel from Weymouth once more.”

“It was wonderful to see the local support for the ferry’s return, both yesterday as she came back into port and today as she departed on her first sailing. We look forward to once again being an integral part of the Weymouth community.”

The daily service from Weymouth to Guernsey, Jersey and St Malo in the school summer holidays will now give easy access to the Channel Islands’ stunning scenery, sandy beaches and most popular attractions, from the Jersey War Tunnels and world-famous Durrell Wildlife Park, to Castle Cornet and Victor Hugo’s Hauteville House on Guernsey, where the author wrote his most famous work, Les Misérables.

Although demand is already high for Condor Ferries’ summer crossings from Weymouth, spaces are still available for booking. To find out more about the special offers available and to book tickets, please visit www.condorferries.com.