Brittany Ferries sets new speed record between Portsmouth and Spain

On 19 March 2009 at 11.35am local time, Brittany Ferries' flagship, Pont Aven arrived in the port of Santander, northern Spain after making the 690-mile voyage from Portsmouth in a record time for a commercial passenger ferry of just 23 hours 15 minutes.

The sailing marks the launch of the company's new weekly Portsmouth – Santander service which offers a journey time some 10 hours faster than existing services from Portsmouth to northern Spain, thereby allowing passengers to reach the Iberian Peninsular, with their own car, after just one night at sea. The route also increases choice, by complementing the company's existing weekly service to Santander from Plymouth.

This is the first time Brittany Ferries has operated a service from Portsmouth to Spain during the main season, and the city's proximity to Greater London and the home counties, combined with the fast crossing time allows the company to offer those travelling to Spain an extremely attractive alternative to air transport, together with a far more relaxing and hassle-free travel experience.

The Pont Aven offers a choice of restaurants and cafés offering top class French cuisine, lounges and bars with live entertainment, two cinemas showing the latest releases, shopping opportunities and even a swimming pool. 650 comfortable en suite cabins, some featuring a private balcony, flat-screen TV and DVD player, ensure a good night's sleep  There are also extensive sundecks offering the possibility to relax and unwind in the sea air and a chance to glimpse some of the amazing whales and dolphins living in the spectacular Bay of Biscay.

For more information, or to book please visit www.brittanyferries.com or call 0871 244 1400.

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Notes to editors

• Measuring 39,300 gross tons, the Pont Aven is the largest ferry operating on the English Channel or Bay of Biscay, and with a cruising speed of 26 knots, is amongst the fastest.
• The ship can carry up to 650 cars and 2,400 passengers

Released 19 March 2009