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Wightlink's FastCat Won't Return Until "Later In Spring"

Wightlink's Ryde to Portsmouth FastCat service isn't expected to return until "later in the Spring", according to the company's CEO.

The ferry firm is reintroducing sailings on its Fishbourne and Yarmouth car ferry services from the end of the month (March).

But that does not include FastCat sailings.

In anticipation of increased demand for travel in April, timetable changes to its car ferry services are coming into place from Monday 29 March.

  • The Portsmouth – Fishbourne route will increase to an hourly service seven days a week (with the usual night-time sailings).  
  • Sailings will resume at weekends on the Lymington - Yarmouth route. It will continue to be a two-hourly service. 

It says its FastCat service will remain suspended due to very few foot passengers travelling.

It says it will start again when there is greater demand.  

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield says:

“We are pleased to increase the numbers of sailings on both our car ferry routes, including the resumption of weekend services between Lymington and Yarmouth, as restrictions start to be lifted.  

“We expect to bring back the FastCats later in the spring when more travel is permitted but unfortunately the number of foot passengers travelling at present remains at exceptionally low levels. Our ticket acceptance agreement with Hovertravel will continue during April. 

“We thank all our customers for their patience and look forward to welcoming them back as travel restrictions allow.” 

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