Wightlink ferries cuts crossings after 'poor weather'

Wightlink put the move down to poor weather and fuel price increases

Wightlink ferries is cutting back on crossings between the Isle of Wight and the mainland because of poor weather.

The firm will bring forward its winter timetable from 5 November to 17 September, meaning fewer sailings.

A Wightlink spokeswoman said: "The greatest marketing tool I have is a bright yellow sun and we haven't seen much of that since March."

The move will affect crossings from Portsmouth to Ryde, Lymington to Yarmouth and Portsmouth to Fishbourne.

The main changes to the sailing schedules will see an hourly timetable being operated between Portsmouth and Ryde at weekends and a three boat service from Portsmouth to Fishbourne in the mornings, from Tuesday to Thursday.

There will also be a two boat service all week between Lymington and Yarmouth, except for Friday 21 and Friday 28 September, when a three boat service will operate.

And the 20:25 sailing from Lymington and the 21:15 sailing from Yarmouth has been withdrawn, with the exception of Fridays and Sundays.

The spokeswoman added: "The changes have been necessary due to the significant fuel increases that we have incurred this year along with the inclement weather which, combined with the economic downturn, has impacted our business."