The St. Peter Port to Fermain Bay service commenced in 1927, and operated in conjunction with the tea rooms at the bay under the title of Fermain Marine & Catering , both being owned by the Ferguson family.
Percy Ferguson retired at the end of the 1993 season, and the service ceased.
The Café at Fermain was taken over by new proprietors in 1996 and a year later they recommenced service to the bay from St. Peter Port using the former Herm launch ALOUETTE, but it was not a success and was withdrawn.
Picture :
Scene at the Town Church slip in about 1954, with Fred Zabiela’s LADY JUNE and Percy Ferguson’s FERMAIN III. Gz301 904k
Picture :
FERMAIN V leaves the slip, with LADY JUNE and HIGHLAND LADDIE waiting to load. st pp301w 980k
Picture :
A view of Fermain Bay with FERMAIN V departing, and Castle Cornet in the background. 301w 854k
Picture :
In Fermain Bay passengers had to use a mobile walkway which was moved up and down the beach according to the tide. Here is FERMAIN VI using the facility at low water. 305wa 96.0k
Picture : Jarrold & Sons Ltd. G67 201w 224k
Fermain Bay with FERMAIN V at the beach, and FERMAIN VI standing off in the Bay.
FERMAIN V
Built 1926
Dimensions 40’6” 12’6” 2’ draft
Propulsion Sutton Power, 6cyl Ford Diesel 9.6 hp 9 knots
Passengers 65
1958 app Acquired as SILVER QUEEN from Commodore Carter R.N. Ret.
renamed FERMAIN V
1993 Last season in Fermain service.
After laying idle for some time, the owner had her renovated, and gave her initially to the Dunkirk Little Ships Association. Later she passed into private hands, and was again refitted and is said to have reverted to her previous name of SILVER QUEEN.
Picture : © PHOTO ONE 756/2
FERMAIN V with Percy Ferguson at the wheel 26 July 1974 300wa 76k
FERMAIN VI
Built Hook Bros, Teignmouth 1963
Length 43’9” 12’0” 2’5” draft.
Propulsion 4 cyl Parsons Ford. 56hp speed 9 kts
Passengers 63
1963 Built and operated by builder for the first season, at the end of which she was acquired by Fermain Marine & Catering, and renamed FERMAIN VI
Early in 1991 she was sold to Jersey owners and was renamed ST. HELIER BELLE but was not a success, and was sold on to England, where she retained her name. She traded on the River Trent, and was on the sales list in March 1998 for £45,000.
Picture : © PHOTO ONE 757/1 201w 37.4k
FERMAIN VI returning to St Peter Port July 26 1974. Skipper P. Le Poidevin
Picture : © PHOTO ONE 203w 34.7k
Last trip of the day July 26 1974.
Picture : © PHOTO ONE CP91/2/9A 201w 55.1
Seen as ST HELIER BELLE July 9 1991
Picture : © PHOTO ONE C&P7/2/3
ALOUETTE seen here in the colours of Fermain Ferry, alongside the Albert Pier on April 21 1997. 1533 51.7k