Displaying items by tag: Rathlin ferry completed

18th January 2017

Arklow Newbuild Completed for Rathlin to Replace Ageing Island Class Ferry

Departing Arklow the newbuild Spirit of Rathlin, a 6 vehicle /140 passenger capacity ferry is to enter Rathlin Island ferry service once a new £1m harbour works project is completed to accommodate the new 28m vessel.

#FerryCompleted - Spirit of Rathlin the new £2.8m car and passenger ferry is to be operated under a new ten year contract awarded to Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The newbuild built by Arklow Marine Services undertook sea trials last year and is to replace an ageing ‘Island’ class ferry the Canna on the Ballycastle-Rathlin service. This former CalMac ferry dating to the 1970's has served alongside the passenger only catamaran Rathlin Express, also constructed at the Co. Wicklow shipyard owned by the Tyrrell family.

Spirit of Rathlin was contracted to AMS by Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure department, whose Minister Chris Hazzard welcomed this week the completion of the ferry.

The Minister said: “I am delighted to announce completion of the new car and passenger ferry for Rathlin Island. This is excellent news for the people of Rathlin and particularly for those who use this essential service to go about their daily business.

"The ‘Spirit of Rathlin’ ferry will ensure that passenger and vehicle services can continue to be provided on this important lifeline route between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle. This new ferry has been designed to modern standards and includes the latest technology for the service it will operate.”

Spirit of Rathlin will come into service once the new £1m harbour to accommodate the newbuild is completed. Following that stage a Passenger Certificate is to be obtained from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to enable the ferry to begin operating.

So what does the Spirit of Rathlin bring to the Co. Antrim route, firstly the stern-only loading vehicle ferry includes a modern passenger lounge. During good weather there is an upper passenger deck to take in this most scenic route of the north coast.

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About the Star Sailors League Gold Cup

In 2022, Sailing finally got its own World Cup, according to the promoters of the SSL (STAR SAILORS LEAGUE) Gold Cup.

Like football in 1930 and rugby in 1987, the SSL Gold Cup is designed to crown the best sailing nation of all! The World's Top 56 countries, selected on their SSL Nation ranking, will battle their way through to raise the coveted and only Sailing World Cup trophy.

The SSL is the global inshore sailing circuit launched by Olympic athletes in 2012, by sailors for sailors. Its main philosophy considers the athletes (not the boats) as the “Stars” and it aims to showcase the annual global sailing championship with its over 15’000 regattas; it determines and celebrates the world leaders in sailing promoting the inshore regattas to the global audience.

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The SSL is a World Sailing Special Event since 2017.