HSC Condor Rapide

In 1999, the Australian Navy looked for the charter of a High Speed Craft until the delivery of two Kanimbla ships purchased to the American Army. Both Incat and Austal had ships available, but only Incat was able to deliver one for June 1999. Thus, in April 1999, the Australian Navy announced that it will charter Incat 045, that was to become the worldwide largest High Speed Craft operated by an army, to carry troops and equipment. She was christened as HMAS Jervis Bay, and registered AKR 45.

Once the charter agreement was signed, HMAS Jervis Bay went back to Incat’s shipyard to be fitted with long-range fuel tanks, giving her an autonomy of 1000 nautical miles. Air conditioned was also installed, and her car decks were strengthened to enable the load of heavy vehicles. A new stern ramp was eventually fitted, to enable operations in port deprived of proper RoRo facilities.

However, HMAS Jervis Bay was not designed for long trips, and her accommodations were Spartan. Indeed, HMAS Jervis Bay did not have a proper galley and sleep facilities. 20 berths were therefore installed, as long as bigger water-tanks.

HMAS Jervis Bay was used through the Timor crisis of 1999, providing logistic assistance to the army. She was able reaching Dili from Darwin where she was based in just 9 hours at 45 knots. During her two years of service, she performed 107 return trips on this route, carrying 20,000 troops, 430 vehicles and 5,600t of freight, being more efficient than an air bridge. In March 2010, HMAS Jervis Bay was given the Battle Honours as a recognition of her utility in the conflict. Following this success, other armies purchased High Speed Crafts for their fleet.

HMAS Jervis Bay was laid up on 11th May 2001 and sent back to Incat in 2002. Her charter cost an overall AUS$16 millions to the army.

On 26th March 2010, Condor Ferries announced that it has purchased Sea Leopard for an undisclosed 8 digits amount. She was to be operated on the Saint-Malo service, replacing Condor 10 within a company that already owned two of her sisterships. She was then refurbished in Weymouth.

She was renamed Condor Rapide on 1st April, and introduced on 13th May on the Saint-Malo service. She replaced Condor 10 which although she “was enough et would still be enough” was prevented from carrying more than 70 cars, since loading one extra car was implying refusing ten foot passengers. Condor Rapide's funnel was later painted in red instead of white, in 2011.

On 6th February 2014, Condor Rapide's crew went on strike, claiming for the ship to be registered in France. This would have enabled the crew to be paid at French wages, but also to benefit the French Welfare System. Condor Rapide remained berthed until 21st February, when Condor Ferries eventually accepted considering the registration of Condor Rapide under French International Registery. However, trade unions announced that they would supervise the process.

Condor Rapide was then sent the following day to Falmouth for refurbishment and overhauling. She was then adeed three stripes on her sides, respectively Red, Blue and Green, to the layout of what was made two years before on Condor Vitesse.

On 4th May 2014, open days were made on board Condor Rapide, enabling 3000 persons to visit her bridge and her engine room.

In March 2016, Condor Rapide went in Falmouth for drydoking, and was repainted to the latest Condor Ferries’ brand colours, introduced the year before on Condor Liberation. Her accommodation decks were also refurbished.