Wightlink’s flagship ferry St Clare was due for drydocking on Wednesday but with gale force winds expected to lash the south coast she was expected to be delayed.

Due to a problem in Portsmouth Dockyard and other factors, Wightlink are using A&P Falmouth this year to refit most of their ferries. 

Operated from the Portsmouth head office the nine ferries and two catamarans work on three routes.

Annually the company makes 48,000 sailings, carrying five million passengers between the mainland and the Isle of Wight.

Wightlink has invested £70 million in ferries and shore infrastructure in the last six years.