Poole waves goodbye to the Barfleur

British eccentricity and love of the nautical world were on show this morning as Barfleur left her Poole base for the last time. The Brittany Ferries vessel was making her last run to Cherbourg before switching to an Irish route.

From 7.30am, people were lining the park by the Sandbanks chain ferry. Clad in waterproofs and umbrellas, they waited patiently for the blue and white funnels and majestic, if slightly rusty, hull to glide into view through the murky low clouds and persistent drizzle.

By 8.35, as she came into view, the crowd had swelled into the hundreds and went potty, waving and cheering, and blowing horns. In the channel, the honour guard flotilla flashed lights and sounded their horns in return.

People also gathered on the Swanage side of the bay, thoroughly exposed to the elements, after the ship had enjoyed a fantastic send off from those at Poole Quay and on the calmer waters.

Many well-wishers stayed until Barfleur vanished into the Poole Bay murk, churning up the water as she picked up speed.