Red Funnel’s new Red Jet 6 has been officially named at a ceremony at Trinity Landing in Cowes. The vessel was built at Venture Quays in East Cowes by Shemara Rifit and represents a £6 million investment in marine manufacturing on the Isle of Wight. Red Jet 6 has also brought fast ferry manufacturing back to Great Britain, being the first of her kind to be built in this country for 16 years.
HRH The Princess Royal officially named the New Red Jet 6, in a ceremony watched by hundreds of people including dignitaries and schoolchildren.
Kevin George, CEO of Red Funnel spoke at the ceremony.
“Red Jet 6 builds on the heritage of shipbuilding here in Cowes, and will be the catalyst for growing the industry that once thrived here on the River Medina. This project has been a lot more than just building a ship. It has brought much needed employment, it has trained apprentices and engaged the local community. It has brought the building of high speed catamarans back to Cowes and back to Great Britain after a gap of 16 years.”
A bottle of Isle of Wight sparkling wine from Rosemary Vineyard was used to the christen the vessel.
Kevin George said
“It is entirely fitting that we chose to name Red Jet6 using ‘champagne’ produced here on the Island.”
Conrad Gauntlett, owner of Rosemary Vineyard commented: “Well we’re bubbling withpride at the prospect of our award winning sparkling wine being used to launch Red Jet 6. We might not be able to call it champagne, but we know it will do justice and we’re very honoured to have been asked.”
You can see photos here
