New launch service to begin soon

Press, 11 October 1985, Page 5

New launch service to begin soon

Lyttelton’s new cruise launch service will begin regular sailings soon. The Reo Moana, a 15m vessel run by Friendship Tourist Cruises, of Picton, arrived at Lyttelton last Sunday after a 21-hour voyage from the-Marlborough Sounds. She is berthed in the inner harbour alongside the Diamond Harbour launch.

Mr Roger Jackman, who with his brother, Mr Peter Jackman, is a co-owner of Friendship Tourist Cruises, said the Lyttelton service would begin on October 19.

Mr Jackman plans two daily 1%-hour cruises, dropping off passengers for lunch at either Godley House or Quail Island. Sailings will be made yearround, although probably once daily in winter. Passengers wishing to book for the first sailing may run into a problem — Mr Jackman does not yet have a telephone. “It is boatside bookings only at this stage,” he said. A telephone should be connected soon, to be followed by a kiosk. The launch carries 91 pas-

sengers, and Mr Jackman plans eventually to arrange links with bus tours. Several inquiries had been made already about the new service. The Reo Moana was one of four vessels plied by Friendship Cruises at Picton. Mr Jackman said he did not expect to take custom from the Diamond Harbour launch. “We are doing different things. The Diamond Habour feny does one small cruise a day, and the rest is commuting,” he said.