Ferry boss addressed branding launch
CHRIS MARROW, chairman of the Severn Link ferry service, also addressed the business community at the branding launch — enthusing the audience about the business opportunities the link would bring.
He told the business people of Ilfracombe of the possibilities for "twin centre" holidays.
"People shouldn't see it as a threat to Ilfracombe that the ferry will take visitors away from North Devon and across to Wales — there is a tremendous enthusiasm in Wales for this link and a great history between the two regions," he said.
"It should be seen as an opportunity for North Devon tourism providers who can offer their guests a unique extra element of a day trip or a few days in Swansea."
He also said there would be countless opportunities to set up special trips.
And he invited businesses to come forward with their ideas.
"We don't want to get too prescriptive about the service we are setting up and we're open to suggestions."
10 Comments
by Derek Gawn, Ireland
Thursday, January 07 2010, 12:58PM
“Reply to Jane Bell - that sounds a nice option for a cycling holiday - especially if you are flexible, so can can pick a nice spell of weather in N. Devon. Incidentally did you know the Balmoral has been running across there (from Swansea & Porthcawl) for years now, about once or twice a week, but just in the main weeks of summer, and I'm pretty sure still carries bicycles (and certainly did offer single/period return tickets, as well as day trips). Perhaps somebody else, who has travelled more recently than me, can clarify that for you.”
by Jane Bell, West Wales
Tuesday, January 05 2010, 9:30AM
“I have been waiting a long time to use a ferry (any ferry) to take my bicycle to North Devon for a holiday. I long for the day that I can cycle to Swansea and then across Devon on the Tarka Trail to start with. What a pity all the comments are so negative. It would be good to know how the Severn Link initiative has reacted to the bad mouthing. We seem to have become a nation of moaning minnies. Think positive. I would go on a fishing boat if one was available. Good luck with the venture and let me know when. I would rather this year than next... sincerely, Jane Bell”
by Derek Gawn, Ireland
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 11:07PM
“Severn Link's site is today saying the first Fastcat has been delivered - but a simple check on AIS (ship locations) this evening shows it is still at the top of Portsmouth Harbour??”
by Derek Gawn, Ireland
Wednesday, December 16 2009, 10:48PM
“I see the first Fastcat (Fastcat Shanklin) has arrived on the Bristol Channel. Look forward to hearing results of berthing trials, sea trials & MCA inspections.”
by Patrick Murrell, Clevedon, North Somerset
Friday, December 11 2009, 11:03PM
“Severn Link Ferries have been strangely silent lately. Trial runs were supposed to have taken place in November, but clearly did not. Do Severn Link Ferries actually own the FastCats which have now been retired by Wightlink? As Derek Gawn suggests, local Councillors should not get too excited and hand out too much cash to this almost unproven operator!”
by Derek Gawn, Ireland
Thursday, December 10 2009, 12:50AM
“An approach - by a third party - to ABP, Swansea, brought about the surprise response that they had not officially even been approached about this service using Swansea Ferryport (even if it physically could on anything less than about half tide). Strange? I wonder if the same applies to Ilfracombe Harbour Authority? Be warned Councillors before you open the public purse!”
by Geoff Hamer, London
Monday, November 30 2009, 5:17PM
“I have travelled between South Wales and Ilfracombe since the 1960s in various ships, including the BALMORAL, CARDIFF QUEEN, DEVONIA, QUEEN OF THE ISLES, ST TRILLO, WAVERLEY and WESTWARD HO, every single one of them bigger than the craft proposed for this service. I have travelled all over Europe on ferries and passenger boats and even met Mr Marrow once when he was running the SYLLINGAR between Orkney and Shetland (a venture which folded after less than a year).
I have spoken with other people with much more experience than me, and we are all agreed that these craft are totally unsuitable.
Even if the weather allows the craft to cross the Bristol Channel, berthing at Ilfracombe will be difficult at low water or if there is a swell. Berthing at Swansea will be difficult at most states of the tide. When the BALMORAL calls there at low water, a steep gangway goes up from her bridge deck to the quay; getting passengers on or off one of these catamarans would be quite impossible.
I would really like to see more opportunities to travel between South Wales and Ilfracombe, and a regular ferry service would be wonderful, but it needs a suitable ship. These catamarans are not up the the job at all.”
by Patrick Murrell, Clevedon, Somerset
Saturday, November 28 2009, 12:46PM
“One thing that does not seem to receive much mention is whether any public funds are being pumped into this venture. If so, local councillors should think twice! The unsuitability of the craft to be used, not to mention the weather and, in particular, the very unsuitable dockside in Swansea, mean that it is almost certain to fail. So be warned, Councillors, before you part with any ratepayers' money!”
by Jon Davies, South Wales
Saturday, November 28 2009, 10:07AM
“Should this service start,will it employ British staff ashore and afloat?”
by Derek Gawn, Ireland
Saturday, November 28 2009, 1:21AM
“Further to my earlier voiced concerns, has anybody else wondered - had this service already been up & running - how many days it could possibly have run this month (November)? I don't think more than 1 or 2 at most - virtually everyday has been Force 5 or more, which would be far too rough for these lightweight craft on that 20+ mile trip. Sorry to keep on about this, but this is realism.”