FOLLOWING the success of last year’s “open ship” event, Condor Ferries is sailing back to Poole Quay with a day of free fun for all the family.

Fast ferry Condor Express will be tied up to town quay on Thursday – and open to all from 10am to 5pm allowing residents and Easter visitors to take a tour.

They will be able to visit the bridge, meet the captain and learn more about day trips and holidays to its destinations in the Channel Islands and France.

Representatives from Jersey, Guernsey and St Malo tourism organisations will be on board offering information about activities, events and accommodation in the Channel Islands and the Brittany region of France.

One lucky visitor has the chance to win a free family trip to the Channel Islands in the onboard competition.

“Last year’s open day proved hugely popular, so we’re delighted once again to be offering local residents and visitors to Poole the chance to come on board one of our fast ferries and find out for themselves about our destinations in the Channel Islands and St Malo,” said Justin Amey, marketing manager at Condor.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to have a look behind the scenes of the workings of the fast ferry, get the chance to meet the captain and even win their own holiday.

“We look forward to welcoming many visitors on board,” he said.

Visitors will be able to benefit from exclusive offers only available on the day, including half price day trips and 10 per cent off longer breaks, as well as being able to sample Channel Island delicacies including black butter, delicious ice creams and Guernsey Gâche, a traditional fruited bread.

Condor Ferries is based in Poole and operates three fast catamaran ferries and a conventional ferry, carrying more than one million passengers and 200,000 passenger vehicles a year.

The company switched all its sailings to Poole after the quay wall in Weymouth crumbled in February 2012, however £3.9million of repair work is currently underway.

Condor Ferries is due to return to Weymouth this summer but will also continue sailings from Poole.