After months of preparation, Condor Ferries’ new state-of-the-art fast ferry, Condor Liberation embarked on her first official sailing today from Poole to the Channel Islands, to much fanfare. 

Hundreds of local school children and ferry enthusiasts joined the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Peter Adams at Baiter Park, Poole to watch this momentous event in Condor Ferries’ history unfold. The large crowd cheered and waved flags as the state-of-the art-ship sailed across Poole Harbour, past Brownsea Island and the Sandbanks Peninsula.

Representing £50 million investment, Condor Liberation is the first of her kind in Northern Europe, and marks a new era in sea travel. With a trimaran (three hull) design, she offers greater stability and better sea-keeping abilities, providing a smoother ride for passengers.

Commenting on the maiden voyage, Alicia Andrews, Executive Director – Commercial at Condor Ferries, said: “Today marked a very important milestone in the history of Condor Ferries. We are very excited to welcome Condor Liberation into service and delighted to see the huge crowd gathered at Baiter Park to help us celebrate this momentous occasion. 

“Bringing Condor Liberation into service has been a great team effort, not only from Condor but also from our many partners who have been involved throughout the fit-out process. Condor Liberation marks a new era of sea travel, and we are immensely proud to have her in our fleet. We hope our customers enjoy being onboard our superb new ship.” 

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Peter Adams added: “There was a real feeling of excitement amongst the crowds of well-wishers gathered at Baiter Park. I was lucky enough to enjoy a tour of Condor Liberation prior to her sailing today and was very impressed with the facilities on-board.”

Since her arrival into Poole on Boxing Day, Condor Liberation has undergone an extensive customisation programme to introduce an impressive new Duty Free shop - Adore, children’s play area, plus a range of eating and drinking outlets. Passengers can now also choose from three new seating lounges, including two upgrade areas - the Horizon lounge, which offers panoramic views through floor to ceiling windows, and the Ocean Club lounge with its all-leather reclining seats and first-class at-seat steward service.

Condor Liberation will sail daily from her UK base of Poole to the Channel Islands throughout the summer, offering more opportunities to travel, improved reliability and a much greater level of comfort with smoother journeys. 

Ends

Issued on behalf of Condor Ferries by McKenna Townsend

For further information please contact Mel Bradley or Caitlin Smith on 01425 472330 or email condor@mckennatownsend.com