SENLAC
Still afloat and working in sunny climes!
By Andy Gilbert
It has recently been reported in the press that our much-loved Senlac is being broken up. I'm not sure how that rumour got started and passed on to Peter Bailey for his Sussex Express column, but I'm happy to say that it is not true.
Senlac is now sailing as European Seaway's Apollon, running between Bari in Italy and Durres in Albania. I understand that she has had a slightly shaky 2008 summer season and that competition on the route is fierce which might not bode well for her future. However I'm also informed that she is in excellent condition overall and as you can see from the latest photo she looks pretty much the same as she used to when she was at Newhaven.
The European Seaways website shows her as still operating the route "from 21st November and onwards" and you can book for next year already!
The port of Bari has a live on-line display of all ships in port and you'll find Apollon berthed next to the harbour station most days. You'll also see her identical sister ships Hengist and Horsa, albeit under the names Agios Georgios and Penelope A, alongside her from time to time. Something of a family gathering!
The age regulations on Mediterranean ferries, though they have recently been extended, will catch up with Senlac before too long but at least she's not yet being turned into razor blades.
Update: August 2009. Just been sent some photos of her, still working from Bari and looking better than ever.
Senlac - as Apollon - 2008
Courtesy of European Seaways
Apollon -2009
Kind permission of Trevor Jones
Apollon - 2009
Kind permission of Trevor Jones