Cruiser (charter vessel)

Cruiser is a vessel owned by Clyde Marine Services Ltd operating in the River Clyde as part of the company's charter cruise fleet. Former names are Southsea Queen, Hythe Hotspur and Poole Scene.

History

The vessel was built in 1974 for the Gosport Ferry Company Ltd for cruising and standby ferry duties, she was built at the same shipyard as 'Solent Enterprise', (James & Stone of Brightlingsea). she was similar to the Solent Enterprise, but had a flared pointed bow, she was named Southsea Queen. However, at 119tons she proved too small for its job and was sold to White Horse Ferries Ltd for use on its Hythe Ferry service just four years later. It was repainted from its green with red band livery to a red and white livery, and was renamed Hythe Hotspur. It was withdrawn from this service in 1995 and chartered to Brownsea Island Ferries Ltd for service in Poole Harbour. It initially kept the name Hythe Hotspur but was later sold and renamed Poole Scene. In 1999, she was sold to Clyde Marine Services and renamed Cruiser. As such, she operates as a charter cruise vessel operating out of Greenock and cruising the Clyde.

External links

• Clyde Maritime Services Clyde Cruiser
• Gosport Ferry
• Hythe Ferry
• Hythe Hotspur