WIGHTLINK'S St Clare ferry returned home on Wednesday (February 8), docking in Portsmouth after its winter refit in Cornwall.

The former flagship of the cross-Solent travel company, before hybrid Victoria of Wight claimed the title, left dry dock in Falmouth on Tuesday (February 7).

While in dry dock, the 13-strong crew on board were busy upgrading part and fine-tuning painting ahead of her return to service this month.

The second largest ferry in the Wightlink fleet, St Clare has two decks for vehicles and can be boarded using the two-tier system at Portsmouth and Fishbourne ports.

At 86 metres long, the ferry was launched in April 2001, entering service in July that year, and can hold up to 186 vehicles and 878 passengers at one time.

Isle of Wight County Press: St Clare car ferry in dry dock at FalmouthSt Clare car ferry in dry dock at Falmouth (Image: Wightlink)

Isle of Wight County Press: Painting work on board St Clare car ferryPainting work on board St Clare car ferry (Image: Wightlink)