Condor Rapide (1997/5,007gt) arrived at Poole from St Malo on 18 April for further lay up with an uncertain future ahead of the Incat 86m catamaran.

This summer Condor Ferries has chartered the larger Incat-built Normandie Express (2000/6,581gt) from Brittany Ferries as Condor Voyager, to operate high-speed passenger services alongside the Austal-built Condor Liberation (2010/6,307gt). Condor Voyager is due to begin operations by the end of May.

Condor Rapide is the last of a trio of Incat 86m HSC once sailing for Condor Ferries, the former Condor Vitesse and Condor Express operating in Greek waters since 2015 as Champion Jet 1 and Champion Jet 2 respectively.

Report and photo by Kevin Mitchell