Bayfast 1

Tomorrow is the launch of the Bayfast ferry trial run. Stagecoach have borrowed a fast catamaran from Red Funnel in Southampton and are trialling a new ferry service from Torquay to Brixham. It takes 15 minutes and does 30 knots,

And will run for 12 hours a day. There has been some opposition from local interests

but at least one of the traditional ferry companies is "on board", as they see their future in fishing trips and journeys around the coast to Dartmouth and Dawlish.
We had a special outing tonight (just testing the waters) with folks from the office, Stagecoach and Red Funnel (and I took M, and Nell took her mum, so the trip can be classed as a "Jolly") to see the good old Red Arrers, who didnt disappoint. Quite a different perspective when seeing them from the water, as they are much closer and a damn sight easier to photograph with a clunk...........click point and shoot digital camera.




With wine and nibbles provided, and being allowed on parts of the boat the public would never normally be allowed, it was a great trip.

More Arrers at Dartmouth on Saturday, via the steam train to Kingswear, with my mum and my neice.
I look forward to the trial being a success, overcoming the cries of the local Alwayssaynoes. The bus between Torquay and Brixham can take up to 90 minutes in the summer, and the ferry will cost little more than the bus. Granted there are no loos on the ferry, but there aren't on the bus either. I know which one I would prefer. And the views are magnificent. Already being supported by the Department for Transport, and tomorrow's launch will be attended by the Mayor; Brian Souter, who owns Stagecoach with his sister; and high-ups from Devon County Council (inc my best mate Bruce). Sometimes work isn't too bad.