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The Channel Islands' newest ferry service was relaunched this morning with a new vessel described by its owners as "perfect" for the Bailiwick's seas.
Causeway Explorer left Alderney on its maiden voyage at 07:00 for the first of two return sailings to Guernsey today.
Its owners, Charlie Smith and Dan Slimm of Alderney Ferry Services, worked from dawn until dusk yesterday making final preparations ahead of welcoming the first passengers aboard their new seven-days-a-week service.
"Exciting doesn't even cover it. We are thrilled to be back on the sea providing a service doing what we love," the co-owners told Express.
"We've added extra onboard so passengers can purchase refreshments. We want to do things differently from any other service we have had before."
Pictured: Causeway Explorer is described by its new owners as "perfect" for the Channel Islands.
Ms Smith and Mr Slimm brought their new vessel to the Channel Islands from the north of Scotland last month. Since then, they have been preparing it to go into service as Causeway Explorer.
"Since bringing Causeway Explorer to Guernsey, we have carried out general upkeep maintenance, such as antifouling," they said.
"We also added extra seating inside and got her rebranded. We also had the time to give her a good buff so she was all shiny and looking her best.
"She is the perfect vessel. Last week, she was in 1.9m swell with no problems. She was so comfortable riding the waves.
"We are looking forward to her being out there, especially on the calmer days, when you can sit out on the deck watching the scenery."
Pictured: Causeway Explorer was bought in Scotland and travelled to the Channel Islands recently.
Causeway Explorer will initially run the Alderney-Guernsey route only, leaving Alderney at 07:00 and 16:30 each day and returning from Guernsey at 09:00 and 18:30.
But that is not the limit of Ms Smith and Mr Slimm's ambitions for their new service.
"We plan to add other destinations to our route, including Sark, Jersey and France," they said.
"Since bringing Causeway Explorer across the English Channel, our bookings have definitely increased, especially more so since being in Guernsey.
"We've had people all over both islands try to book tickets with us there and then. Everyone is excited to come aboard."
Pictured: Another Alderney-based operator, The Salty Blonde, has co-operated to help launch Causeway Explorer.
Alderney Ferry Services has put Causeway Explorer into service to replace a previous vessel, The Azula, which suffered serious mechanical problems before it could carry any passengers.
"We have been working hard to achieve something better for Alderney. We are collaborating with The Salty Blonde to give the best service possible to our community," said Ms Smith and Mr Slimm.
"Our economy is suffering and a lot of us are now seeing this. Between us and The Salty Blonde, we want to bring a diverse schedule to ensure Alderney and its future has the best sea links possible and [make] our beautiful island busy again.
"We would also love to add how amazing the Guernsey companies we used have been. All of them stopped everything to help us. Without their support, we wouldn't have made our deadline. We are so deeply grateful to everyone who has helped us."
Pictured top: Causeway Explorer in Guernsey on the eve of its maiden commercial voyage on the Alderney-Guernsey route.
From no ferries to two ferries
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