Our early attempts to establish a fast service to the Island were way back in 1933, with the Sea Coach Island Enterprise. This 11-seater vessel featured a luxurious cabin, and could hit speeds of up to 20 knots, allowing it to cross in just 35-minutes. This service only operated in the summer and was eventually withdrawn in 1938. Shortly afterwards, the landscape for Solent travel changed for several years, as tensions in Europe escalated, and World War II began.

It would be another 30 years before Red Funnel revisited high speed Solent travel, as evolving technologies offered solutions to faster sea travel. In 1968 we briefly flirted with hovercraft technology, trialling the Red Funnel Hoverservice with the HM2. Despite early promise, this craft was unable to deliver to our high standards (described at the time as “noisy” and “uncomfortably rough”), leading us to look for alternatives.

In 1969, we found our solution. Shearwater I, the first of a series of seven hydrofoil vessels, kick started the Hi-Speed service as we know it today. With speeds in excess of 32 knots, they had capacity for 67 passengers and could complete the crossing in just 23 minutes; although the hydrofoil design meant they carried a reputation for a bumpy ride in rougher seas!
As technology continued to progress, Red Funnel developed the Solent’s first waterjet-propelled high-speed ferry in 1991. This vessel was known as Red Jet 1, and paved the way for the current era of our Hi-Speed service. Our state-of-the-art vessels Red Jet 6 & 7, both built in East Cowes on the Island, still sail the Southampton to West Cowes route today, carrying up to 275 passengers, at a max speed of 42 knots.

Looking to the future…

Later this year we’re thrilled to be introducing the next major advancement in high-speed Solent travel, an all-electric foiling vessel. Developed by Artemis Technologies, this cutting-edge craft will rise completely out of the water on its foils, delivering faster, smoother journeys from the Mainland to the Isle of Wight. It will be the first zero emission passenger ferry in operation between the South Coast and the Isle of Wight.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Wight or fancy a day exploring Southampton during a visit to the island, our Hi-Speed service is one of the fastest, and most convenient ways of travelling. You can sail over from just £13.50 per person, with regular crossings throughout the day, and if you check back later in the year, you might be lucky enough to make history as one of the first passengers to travel on our all-electric ferry!