HRH The Duchess of Cornwall names Red Jet 7

This Cowes family were out to see the royals! ..And the boat – photo by Joe Burn

Red Funnel hi-speed catamaran named Red Jet 7 by HRH Duchess of Cornwall.

The Trinity Landing ceremony was well attended by members of the public, dignitaries and guests – including 300 students from Cowes’ schools.

The Right Reverend Christopher Foster, Lord Bishop of Portsmouth blessed the new ship, followed by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall breaking a bottle of Island produced “champagne” on the ship’s bow.

Red Jet 7 was built in East Cowes by Wight Shipyard Co and represents a £7m investment by Red Funnel.

The 40 metre Catamaran Passenger Ferry will transport passengers between West Cowes and Southampton.

The event was well attended with packed local businesses and a large crowd of families and tourists – eagerly waiting for the Duchess of Cornwall arrival.

Red Jet 7 – photo by Joe Burn

Kevin George, Red Funnel’s chairman said: “We would very much like to thank HRH The Duchess of Cornwall for naming Red Jet 7. It is only fitting that the naming ceremony took place in Cowes where the boat will be a very frequent visitor and in sight of where she was built.”

The combined investment of Red Jet 7 and Red Jet 6 equates to a £13m investment by Red Funnel in Island and Solent economies.

Rt Revd Christopher Foster, Lord Bishop of Portsmouth – photo by Joe Burn

Send us your pictures from the day to newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk