FERRY fanatics crowded the shoreline to take a first glimpse of Poole’s latest £50million passenger boat on Friday.

Speedy trimaran Condor 102 glided across the harbour on Boxing Day morning having sailed 10,500 nautical miles from the Philippines – with dozens of keen ferry-spotters reaching for their binoculars and cameras as it arrived.

The ferry will now go through a period of customisation, with the interior set to be completed by refurbishment specialists Trimline before it comes into service in late March, sailing from Poole to Guernsey and Jersey.

Captain Fran Collins, executive director at Condor Ferries, said she was delighted the boat was now safely docked in Poole.

“It was exciting to see her sail into the port early this morning – the crew were in great spirits,” she added on Friday.

“They have done a fantastic job of bringing her home on schedule – everyone at Condor is very thankful for all their hard work and commitment over the last 24 days and we hope they get home to their families soon to enjoy the rest of the festive period and to see in the New Year.”

Chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, Jim Stewart, said he was pleased to welcome the ‘sleek state-of-the-art’ vessel.

He added: “Poole is a highly-successful south coast port set in the beautiful location of Poole Harbour and we look forward to continuing our long and successful working partnership with Condor Ferries.”

From the end of March, all journeys to the Channel Islands will be on the new Condor 102 from Poole, which its owners claim will offer improved reliability, increased capacity and a greater level of comfort with smoother journeys.

Condor 102 will feature three seat classes, with two upgrade areas available for passengers wanting an enhanced experience. Visit 102.condorferries.co.uk to keep up to date with news about Condor 102.