Condor Ferries HSC Condor Vitesse - Further Ferry Information and Vessel Description
The HSC Condor Vitesse is a 86m fast catamaran ferry operated by Condor Ferries. This 2 state-of-the-art fast car ferry operates between the Channel Islands, the UK and France, with space for 750 passengers and 185 cars. A computerised ride-control system offers the smoothest possible journey along with many other features and facilities. Condor Vitesse was built in 1997 at the Incat Yards in Tasmania, Australia. For full information on Condor Ferries - Click Here.
 |
Condor Vitesse was built in 1997 at the Incat Yards in Tasmania, Australia as Incat 044 but was not ordered by any ferry company. She was sent to Europe and arrived in July 1997 in Portland and was later moved to Århus, Denmark. By moving the vessel to Europe, Incat hoped that she would attract a buyer.
In late 1997 Condor Ferries announced that they would again run services from Weymouth in 1998. The service was to operate to Guernsey and St Malo using the Condor 10 but in March 1998 Condor Ferries announced they would charter the Incat 044 and rename her Condor Vitesse for the new service. The charter had the option to purchase which was later taken up. |
During the winter of 1999 Condor Vitesse was chartered to Tranz Rail for the Interisland Line service and carried the marketing name of The Lynx. She returned to Europe for the summer to continue operating for Condor Ferries. In 2001 Condor Ferries and Brittany Ferries entered into an agreement to run a Poole-Cherbourg fastcraft service. Condor Vitesse was chosen for this service, possibly because of her French sounding name, and she began sailing on the route in May 2001 as well as operating for Condor Ferries in the afternoon between Poole and St Malo calling at one of the Channel Islands on the way. The fastcraft service was great success carrying double what was predicted. The summer operation pattern of a morning round trip between Poole and Cherbourg then an afternoon round trip to St Malo continues to this day. In 2003 her livery was modified with the application of the new Condor Ferries and Brittany Ferries logos, it was altered again in 2007 when three flags were painted on the ships side forward of the bridge. The flags are those of Jersey, Guernsey and St Malo. Condor Vitesse was holed after colliding with the jetty in St Malo on March 22nd 2008.
Brittany Ferries have used a variety of marketing names for the vessel in its publicity and ticketing. The ship has been advertised as Brittany Ferries Condor Vitesse and Vitesse. Since 2005 she is referred to as Normandie Vitesse except in the Brittany Ferries information leaflet for the ship which refers to her as Vitesse. Condor Vitesse carries small Brittany Ferries branding on both side towards the stern. In Brittany Ferries publicity the positioning of the Condor and Brittany branding is reversed or the Condor branding is removed altogether. Condor Vitesse was the first vessel to carry the current Brittany Ferries logo.
The Condor Vitesse offers passengers spacious air-conditioned passenger lounges a guaranteed seat for each and every passenger, reclining seat availability, onboard, caféteria serving delicious hot meals and snacks and duty-free shop, Upper deck bar, Club Class Lounge and a Children's TV room.
Condor Ferries HSC Condor Vitesse Ferry Statistics
- Length - 86.62 m
- Breadth - 26 m
- Draught - 3.5 m
- Speed - 41 knots
- Built - 1998
- Yard - INCAT - Hobart, Tasmania, Austrailia
- Power - 28,320 kW
- Cars - 185
- Passengers - 750
- Crew - 30
|
To view all UK ferry routes please 