Red Funnel

Red Funnel (strapline: The Original Isle of Wight Ferries) is the name used to refer to

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:The Southampton, Isle of Wight and South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Co. Limited.

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Formed in 1861, its official name remains the longest name for a registered company in the United Kingdom. The shortened name was quickly adopted after 1935 when all the vessels operated by the company adopted the famous black-topped red funnel in their livery.

Related Topics:
1861 - United Kingdom - 1935

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The company originally operated a paddle steamer ferry service between Cowes, Isle of Wight and Southampton, England. In 1931 they introduced their first diesel ferry, the MV Medina III. The ferries used have steadily increased in size to the current Scottish built Raptor class of car ferries operated between East Cowes and the Town Quay in Southampton. The company also operates high speed, passenger only, catamarans between the Town Quay and "West" Cowes. Between 1969 and its phasing out during the nineteen-nineties this route had been served by Italian built hydrofoils.

Related Topics:
Ferry - Cowes - Isle of Wight - Southampton - England - 1931 - Scottish - Catamaran - 1969 - Nineteen-nineties - Italian - Hydrofoil

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During its long history the company has operated other routes connecting the Isle of Wight and mainland England. Today, two alternative passenger and two alternative vehicle ferry routes are operated by rival companies.

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In 2001 The company was sold to JP Morgan Partners Inc. by Associated British Ports Holdings Plc who had acquired the company in 1989 as a White knight to fend off a hostile take over by Sally Lines.

Related Topics:
2001 - JP Morgan Partners Inc. - Associated British Ports Holdings Plc - 1989 - White knight - Sally Lines

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The companies flag is divided diagonally into quarters of (clockwise from the top): white, green, red, blue. This derives from the company's four original steamers: The Pearl, The Emerald, The Ruby and The Saphire.

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