New island ferry service set to start crossings

The passenger-only ferry will initially run on weekdays taking about 35 minutes to cross the Solent

A new passenger-only ferry service is set to start crossings between the Isle of Wight and mainland.

The service will run between Yarmouth and Lymington, taking about 35 minutes to travel the 4.5 nautical miles.

The catamaran Kraken, which can carry 110 passengers, will make three crossings across the Solent each way during weekdays, with plans to broaden its timetable in the coming months.

Operators Quay2Quay said the ferry would cater "to those commuting to work and college, as well as those travelling for leisure purposes". The first sailing was set to leave Yarmouth at 09:25 BST.

Magnus Gundersen, director of Quay2Quay, said: "We are very excited to finally get started.

"We are starting with Monday – Friday services but will soon be moving to a seven-day service."

He said further morning and afternoon sailings were also expected to be added "to catch the commuter traffic" in the next few months.