Photo via Red Funnel

Construction of the Red Jet 6, a 40m high speed catamaran costing around £6m to build, is well underway on the Isle of Wight, the first of her kind to be built by UK businesses for 15 years. With tenders for the build received from across the globe, Red Funnel finally placed the order with Shemara Refit LLP  

This latest addition to Red Funnel's fleet aims to improve passenger accommodation, reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency. With the capacity to carry 275 passengers in a spacious, well lit cabin with ship-to-shore Wi-Fi and a state of the art air-handling system, (not to mention the capability of carrying 22 bicycles!), it's no surprise to read that passenger comforts, safety, and the environment were at the forefront of the design process.  

Photo via Red Funnel

With the build underway on the island, we are thrilled to be able to play a small part in the creation of this vessel. Two of our team, David Dunn (Rapid Welding) and Damian Bryant (RentArc), have developed a good working relationship with Shemara Refit from the very start of the process, initially supplying welding consumables such as grinding discs, wire and gauntlets, as well as straight line cutters and hiring aluminium welding sets. More recently, an order for 12 Kemppi FastMigs with the Supersnake system - ideal for boat building and welding in confined spaces - was placed. 

With Summer 2016 the deadline for completion for Red Jet 6, we are delighted to have been involved in this exciting project from the start. One of our greatest strengths is maintaining excellent relationships with our customers, and we are proud to be Shemara Refit's first port of call for all their welding needs.

All lined up! 12 Kemppi FastMigs with Supersnake system  

For more information on the Red Jet 6, click here.

Known for being adventurous, for not being afraid to try something a bit different, and for sharing with you our escapades, here's some pictures of two Rapidettes trying their hand at beach riding on the Isle of Wight last Saturday (22nd August 2015)! Yes, that's four hooves! On the sand! On a very warm and sunny morning!  

All the gear .........?  

Here's Marianne and Meg 

Having a canter on the lovely Biscuit! 

Here we're taking a breather.... & holding up the ride while we make the most of a photo opportunity! Biscuit wanted to give Meg a quick kiss, but apparently she isn't receptive to male attention. Luckily for Biscuit - or perhaps not - I was more than willing to give him a big sloppy smacker on the lips when we returned to barracks!

We had a fabulous time last Saturday, and would like to thank the staff at Sally's Riding School who were really friendly and encouraging, making the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish, and particularly Sally herself who was there meeting and greeting and generally sorting us all out. Of course, we're also sending pats and carrots to Biscuit and Meg who clearly take their job very seriously, taking great care of us throughout. It was wonderful to see so many happy horses, and smiling faces.

Something tells me we'll definitely be back to see you soon - like, in two weeks time!!!!! 

Marianne & Sally

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