A Short Trip Aboard the Western Lady Ferry

Take a trip aboard Western Lady IV as she takes us from Brixham across Torbay to Torquay. She is one of two former Royal Navy Coastal Forces Fairmile B Rescue Motor Launches built during WWII that have provided the ferry service for many years. Together with her sister, Western Lady III, she retired from service at the end of the 2005 holiday season. Western Lady III can be seen passing in the opposite direction about halfway through the movie.

The Western Lady Ferry Service continues to operate in Torbay.

Western Lady III is now running out of Swanage, Dorset under the banner of 'Fairmile Classic Cruises' whilest Western Lady IV has passed into private ownership.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Torbay
• Torquay
• Brixham
• Ferry
• Devon
• Fairmile
• Swanage
• Dorset

[Seal00754]

Under Jack Chivers I had control of WL from Brixham to the Dartmouth bar. She is a great vessel and the memory will last forever.

Beautiful to control and a great honour to have the helm of an historic little ship. Long may they float.

[radiosteve999]

Great to hear from you! WLIII (now 'The Fairmile') is operational back in Torbay under new owners in case you don't know. WLIV is based in Cornwall under private ownership. Isn't it brilliant that they both continue to survive and are fully operational.

[dod4luce]

I remember going on her in the early seventies. What a shame she has gone. All the best things are taken away!!

[radiosteve999]

There is some good news actually!

Western Lady III (sister to IV) has now been acquired by Greenway Ferry who will be using her for their River Dart excursions out of Torbay starting in a few weeks time. She has come 'home'!

[escortmad79]

I miss the Ladies

[radiosteve999]

So do I and many others.

[pressforaction]

Saw her today at Rye. The launch looks completely different now – all the aft superstructure has been removed, and lots of other changes amidships.

[Seal00754]

We had to go to more power on the way back as a German man (Tourist) hit he's head on the superstructure, despite the warning about crossing the bar (where the sea and the river meets) being a bit choppy. She rose out of the water and showed the people on board her true colours. You have to avoid all those lobster bouys. Fast lady in a classy way. I hope that Jack is still around as he is a nice man. Uncle Jack to my ex wifes family. He lived up in the Brixham hills.

[shaunrules27]

i luv the western lady and then she left but its come back now and is gunna be called the fair mile so thats kl

[dod4luce]

great news, but I will miss seeing her going over the bay, she was a huge part of Torbay for me!!!

[escortmad79]

Skipper is John Lusher