A DECADE OF SPANISH SISTERS
Cote D'Albatre and Seven Sisters
By Stephen Morris
Ten years on and the two Spanish-built sister ferries are still maintaining the Newhaven-Dieppe service, despite some mechanical problems along the way and changes of ownership, while still maintaining the Transmanche livery.
Cote D'Albatre arrived in March 2006 and Seven Sisters arrived later in November of 2006. At some 12,000 gross tons they are impressive in size for the port and their twin diesel engines propel them at 22 knots.
The first three pictures show the Cote D'Albatre leaving Newhaven on the 22nd July 2006 for an evening sailing to cross the Channel. A scene not often witnessed these days as she turned within the harbour before leaving bow first.
Then we see the Seven Sisters at her berth opposite the lifeboat station taken in her first year of service in December 2006.
The last photograph show the Seven Sisters making an impressive sight as she enters harbour on 22nd May 2008, showing her full dimensions and filling the narrows.
Cote D'Albatre fills the river as she turns for the sea
Cote D'Albatre gleams in the evening sun
Departing port with an admiring audience
Seven Sisters at her berth only one month after her arrival in 2006
An impressive angle as Seven Sisters enters harbour