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Stena Line’s latest addition to its expanding Irish Sea ferry fleet, Stena Vision, has departed a shipyard in Gdansk, Poland following a major refit investment programme and is bound for Rosslare Europort.

The 39,178 gross tonnage cruise ferry for the Ireland-France route as previously reported is due to go into service on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route on 30th June.

Stena Vision is the company’s additional cruise ferry on the Rosslare to Cherbourg service, where it will operate alongside the Stena Horizon. The second ship will increase service frequency on the route to six departure days providing 12 sailings per week, the most frequent ferry service between Ireland and the European Continent.

Paul Grant, Trade Director Stena Line said: “We are delighted to confirm that Stena Vision has now started on its journey to Rosslare. The ship has undergone a major refit investment and we are in the process of finalising last minute preparations in advance of commencing services on Rosslare-Cherbourg on 30th June, just in time for the peak summer holiday period.”

Stena Vision   – The 39,178 gross tonnage cruise ferry for the Ireland-France route as previously reported is due to go into service on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route on 30th JuneStena Vision – The 39,178 gross tonnage cruise ferry for the Ireland-France route is due to go into service on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route on 30th June

The addition of Stena Vision to the Ireland-France route, will provide Stena Line with a significant increase in capacity operating alongside Stena Horizon. Stena Vision will have space for 1,300 passengers and 485 passenger cabins, more than any other ferry currently sailing from Ireland. It will offer a wide selection of accommodation ranging from standard cabins to deluxe suites and also offers 42 pet friendly cabins.

Paul Grant added: “The introduction of Stena Vision is also welcome news for the freight sector, which has seen demand grow for direct services to France for hauliers since Brexit. Stena Vision will also increase driver accompanied capacity with more cabin space for freight drivers.”

Stena Line routes including, combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard routes. In addition to a dedicated freight only route from Belfast to Heysham with a total of up to 238 weekly sailing options between Britain and Ireland.

Published in Stena Line

About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.