HUNDREDS of schoolchildren joined local dignitaries in Poole to cheer off Condor Ferries’ latest vessel on its historic maiden voyage.

Condor Liberation, the only 102 metre trimaran in Northern Europe, passed by Baiter Park on its first official passenger sailing to the Channel Islands.

All our images from on board the Liberation

Youngsters from Courthill and Old Town infant schools, who had gathered to wave flags as the state-of-the-art vessel passed out of Poole Harbour, cheered even louder when ferry captain, senior master Giles Wade, gave a blast of the Liberation’s foghorn.

Earlier, the Daily Echo accompanied Poole Mayor Cllr Peter Adams on a tour of the ferry.

Cllr Adams said: “This is an exciting time for Poole, I am delighted Condor Ferries has decided to make its home here.

“Today represents another step in Poole’s maritime affairs – we’ve got Sunseeker here, the RNLI building lifeboats here. We are producing engineers in our local colleges capable of making all of this happen.”

Condor made a £50million investment in the ferry, of which £1m was spent on bridge wings, built either side of the middle bridge, making it easier to bring the vessel alongside the dock.

Since her Boxing Day arrival in Poole the Liberation has undergone an extensive customisation, including the introduction of a new duty free shop, children’s play area and a range of eating and drinking outlets.

The vessel’s three-hull design should make her more stable at sea, meaning a smoother ride for passengers, said the company.

Commercial at Condor Ferries executive director Alicia Andrews said: “Today marked a very important milestone in the history of Condor Ferries. We are very excited to welcome Condor Liberation into service and delighted to see the huge crowd gathered at Baiter Park to help us celebrate this momentous occasion.”

Condor Liberation will sail daily from her Poole base to the Channel Islands throughout the summer.

Speaking to the Echo from the vessel’s bridge, shortly before its maiden voyage, Mr Wade said: “Today is what we have been working for, some of us for two years. It should be a good day.”

The ship is powered by three diesel engines, each capable of producing 12,000 horsepower.

Mr Wade said: “We have a top speed, on a light ship, of 42 knots. The service is based on 32 knots, but we have that extra bit up our sleeve if we need it.”