From our base at Martleaves Farm Campsite, we were off on foot for the two miles or so to the Weymouth ferry terminal. There was no queue at the check in although the waiting area was quite busy – I’d guess about one hundred or so foot passengers. The day trip fare from Weymouth to Guernsey with Condor Ferries is £30 per adult, but we used the Tesco Clubcard Deal, meaning a £10 Tesco voucher paid for each ticket – bargain!
The weather forecast was for calm seas and a slight breeze, so this was most disappointing, as I had hoped for a rough ride on the InCat Condor Vitesse but none the less, it did get better as the day went on. Once on board, we were straight on to the open deck as we watched Weymouth disappear on the horizon. We were scheduled to leave at ten o’clock but were underway about 15 minutes early. The Captain announced a smooth crossing with very slight seas….how disappointing!
The craft was fairly busy, but certainly not full, maybe about half way there – not bad for a winter crossing. Many of the foot passengers had suitcases, suggesting some longer stayers, aswell as day trippers.
We were travelling on Condor Vitesse, built by Australia’s InCat as yard number 44.
Loading the fast craft must take a fair amount of planning as vehicles boarding at Weymouth could be heading for Guernsey or Jersey, and equally, more will join at Guernsey for Jersey!
As the InCat craft leaves Weymouth, you pass close to the Nothe Fort – more details here.
In no time at all though, the Vitesse’s four Manchester built Rushton engines power this fast craft along towards the Channel Islands
On arrival at Guernsey, formalities are minimal and it’s just a few minutes walk into St Peter’s Port. Here you will find a nice selection of eateries, shops and bars. The weather was particularly kind, bearing in mind it was only mid March.
We had time though before walking into town to observe the Vitesse heading off towards Jersey
Street entertainers in Guernsey
Street entertainers kept both tourists and the locals amused.
Market Street, St Peter Port
One of the main through-fares, Market Street, has a cosmopolitan feel to it.
A pleasant stroll along the seafront and pier will take you to Castle Cornet from where you have nice views towards St Peter Port – certainly looking almost tropical in the late winter sunshine
Castle Cornet with canons at the ready!
The Castle Cornet is now a museum although this was closed during our visit.
The day trip to Guernsey from Weymouth gives about four hours ashore, and after checking in, we went on the roof of the terminal building and spotted Commodore Clipper in the distance. Here she is seen entering the harbour.
The clipper docks “stern in” at Guernsey.
Unfotunately, the battery conked out at this point and we had to change over, so lost the final part of the berthing manoeuvre!
Peek – a – boo! The Condor Vitesse was heading for the harbour at the same time as the Clipper was berthing.
The Condor Vitesse, safely along side at St Peter Port. Passengers disembark and embark via the footbridge. On arrival at Guernsey, we had disembarked via the car deck and a “gang plank”Once back on board, the Captain announced a good breeze and a moderate crossing – hurray – mayebe some rolling action with this fast cat.
The Condor Vitesse makes her way slowly past the Clipper, who is safely alongside.
Although now almost 17 years old, the Vitesse still looks superb.
Commodore Clipper
A passing shot of the Clipper, as we passed by onboard InCat’s hull number 044.
As the Rushton engines powered up, taking the Condor Vitesse upto 30 knots, a trio of water jet skiers were in pursuit, but this fast cat out ran them with ease! It was a great way for the riders to get some white water!
The weather and sea conditions took a turn for the better, with some side to side rolling, which at certain parts of the journey, did make walking about difficult. Conditions on the outer deck were interesting!
Oh do behave yourself Russell!
The powerful water jets push the Vitesse along.
The moderate sea conditions added to the spray effect
On arrival at Weymouth, we took a few moments to take a couple more interior shots of this fast cat. The photo above shows the upper deck seating area.
….and to the lower deck
Stairs lead towards the lower seating area, self service café bar and on board shopping.
Sunset as seen from the InCat
Although only offering a restricted view, we were able to see the Condor Vitesse looking superb at night time. We had arrived a few minutes early, so had time for a quick pint in Weymouth before getting the bus back to the caravan site
Excellent review Russell! Thanks so much. On your return you will see new enclosed facilities for gents including more basins and shaver points! We look forward to welcoming you here again. Regards Jane & Keith
New motorhome coming soon, so we will be back to Dorset and also Guernsey.
how long on the ferry from Weymouth to Guernsey?
Can you bring car on the ferry?
It was about two hours I think on the fast craft – and yes you can take cars.