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Displaying items by tag: Returns Strait of Gibraltar

Stena Europe, which left the Rosslare-Fishguard route recently, with ropax Stena Nordica resuming service, is to return to the Strait of Gibraltar, where it had been on charter last year, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Stena Europe, built in 1981, after making its final sailing on the Ireland-Wales route, departed from Rosslare on 14 April, when the veteran ferry headed for A&P Falmouth, Cornwall, where it entered dry dock. This was followed by Irish Ferries fast-ferry Dublin Swift arriving at the dry dock where the Stena Europe had occupied, with the conventional 24,828-ton ferry shifting to a nearby layover berth.

Afloat contacted Stena Line to confirm if Stena Europe would operate for Africa Morocco Link (AML), as this month the Swedish operator made an agreement to acquire a 49% shareholding in AML. The company commented that the ‘Stena Europe will indeed be chartered to our new AML route of Tanger Med-Algeciras this summer.’

Stena Europe was tracked by Afloat yesterday when off Cornwall, having departed Falmouth, as the 2,076 passenger/456 car/60 truck ferry is bound for Algeciras, with a delivery arrival expected on 2 May. When Stena Europe enters service, the 149-metre ferry will be in direct competition in the Port of Algerciras (see separate story) with another Scandinavian-based operator, DFDS, which only in January acquired FRS Iberia / Maroc.

When Stena Europe was previously on the Strait of Gibraltar, it was also operating on the Tangier Med-Algeciras route, but for a different company when running during the peak period of Operation Marhaba.

Stena told Afloat that the charter to AML is temporary. The company did not reveal where the ageing ferry will go after its Strait of Gibraltar service.

Published in Stena Line

About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.