Condor 1
In 1963, Brittish Railways decided to close down their Saint-Malo – Channel Islands service, selling the Brittany that used to operate the service. Therefore, two businessmen of the Channel Islands decided to create their own company that would replace this service, and hence was created Condor Ltd.
In 1963, Condor Ltd decided to order its first ship to the Italian shipyard Rodriquez. They chose an hydrofoil, model PT50, to operate an high speed service between Saint-Malo and the Channel Islands, since this model was able to be operated at 33 knots. She was purchased for a cost of £200,000. Delivered in Guernsey on 12th April 1964, she was soon christened as Condor 1. Condor 1 began operation on services linking Saint-Malo, Guernsey, Jersey and Sark from 20th June.
Condor 1 was replaced in 1976 by larger Condor 5, and was then sold to SNAV which renamed her Freccia di Sicilia. She was scrapped in 2003 by her builder.
| Condor 1 (1964 - 1976) | |
|---|---|
| The Ship | |
| Launch | 1964 |
| Maiden Voyage | 20th June 1964 |
| Shipyard | Rodriquez, Messine (ITA) |
| Cost | £200,000 |
| Owner | Condor Ltd |
| Operator | Condor Ltd |
| Routes | Saint-Malo (FRA) - Saint-Hélier (GBJ) | Saint-Peter Port (GBG) | Serk (GBG) |
| Port of Registry | Saint-Peter Port, Guernsey |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Length | 27.89m |
| Tonnage | |
| Gross Tonnage | 127 GT |
| Engines specifications | |
| Engines | 2 engines Mercedes with 12 cylinders each |
| Maximum Speed | 33 knots |
| Passengers & Cargo | |
| Passengers | 140 passengers |
Photo Library
See Also
References
- "Condor I". In Bateaux de Saint-Malo, , 2015. [retrieved 22nd August 2015]. Available at www.bateaux-de-saint-malo.com ;
- "Condor Ferries Page 2: Fast Ferries". In Simplon Postcards, , 2008. [retrieved 22nd August 2015]. Available at www.simplonpc.co.uk.