CONDOR’S sleek new fast ferry will be sailing exclusively from Poole from the end of March next spring, up until November.

Condor Ferries has just released its sailing schedule for next season, allowing trips to be booked for the Channel Islands and France.

Passengers will be able to enjoy day trips to Guernsey and Jersey, with early morning departures sailing from Poole, as well as inter-island trips, exploring the beauty of both islands during a stay.

The company confirmed in August that it would run its new high speed Condor 102 from Poole as a “medium term” arrangement, with Weymouth needing millions of pounds spent on a berth to make it viable.

“Passengers can now book sailings to both the Channel Islands and France right through to next November, but it is the island sailings which will really capture passengers’ imagin-ations,” said Alicia Andrews, commercial executive director at Condor Ferries.

“From the end of March, all journeys to the Channel Islands will be in the new Condor 102 from Poole, which offers smoother journeys, greater reliability and a superb on board experience including a wider choice of seating, a range of dining, and even shopping facilities for our passengers to enjoy.”

She added: “We are all very excited about the arrival of the Condor 102 and I’m sure that our passengers will love sailing to the Channel Islands on our new ship.”

There will be a choice of three seat classes and all leisure vehicles will be priced similarly.

The new ferry has been welcomed by the port, the council and Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Chamber President Roger Williams said: “It’s very good news for Poole. It puts us on the map and gives us greater visibility.

“It will bring more people to the area to access the Channel Islands and should increase footfall in the town,” Mr Williams added.