Excitement is building ashore and on board as the March 1 launch date of the inaugural sailing from Cork to Swansea aboard the impressive MV Julia approaches.
Stakeholders, tourism bodies, small businesses, the Irish diaspora and the public at large are logging on to the Fastnet Line website on a daily basis to check out the offers available and, according to Fastnet Line Chief Executive Tom Barrett, sailing bookings are now topping 1,200 confirmed bookings with two out of three bookings coming from the UK market.
He said: “The service expects to enjoy strong demand from both tourist and freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea. It is worth more than €50 million annually to this region and that should be replicated in the Swansea Bay area and the UK as we progress. We look forward to welcoming passengers from the UK aboard our fantastic ship and providing a relaxing and efficient route between the two countries.”
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “This is a fantastic example of communities working together for the betterment of their areas and countries as a whole. The West Cork Co-Operative is to be congratulated on their initiative in buying this ship and we wish Fastnet Line and the MV Julia many safe and profitable trips to and from Swansea. The initiative has the backing of the people of Swansea and I’m sure the thousands of people from the UK who love Ireland as a destination will flock to re-visit the country again. This venture will also introduce many people to the beauty of Swansea Bay for the first time and this is sure to encourage return visits. People visiting Swansea Bay have the annual Swansea Bay Summer Festival to look forward to as well as facilities such as the Ffos Las horse racing track and the Afan Forest Park mountain-biking experience.”
Mr Barrett went on to outline the cost-effective packages available to families in particular, with their current on-line offer- children travelling free and special fares for bookings before the end of January- subject to certain conditions. Freight carriers and groups are also well catered for with special rates available on www.fastnetline.com
Mr Barrett said: “Visitors to the South West of Ireland will be intrigued by the host of choices on offer, with live gigs featuring international stars at the Live at the Marquee series in Cork throughout the summer, walking tours across several counties, sailing and surfing events, adventure festivals and food festivals. With top class hotels, guesthouses, caravan parks and restaurants and bars in the South West of Ireland, this is a great opportunity to sail away on a mini-cruise and explore new horizons, and all just within an hour or two from wonderful Cork city.
“Upcoming festivals include The West Cork Rally on St. Patrick’s Weekend, Baltimore Heritage Festival in April, West Cork Walking Festival in May and Cork Week and the international sailing event in July. The Fáilte Ireland website at www.discoverireland.ie offers a very comprehensive list of attractions in the area that are too numerous to mention.”
As the service counts down to its date of departure on March 1, the crew of the MV Julia is going full steam ahead in preparing the vessel for its seaward journeys. They’re working closely with health and safety bodies, local suppliers and other supporters to ensure everything goes to plan.
Mr Barrett said: “MV Julia is a comfortable, sturdy and seaworthy passenger and car ferry. It’s very capable of providing a year-round service and is backed by a team of industry professionals who have sailed the seven seas in vessels such as this. We’re looking forward to welcoming people aboard for an enjoyable and safe trip to and from Swansea.”
