frequently, according to details recently released about the vessels.

The new boats are due to enter service next year, eventually replacing the three larger Somerset craft with four catamaran boats.

These are the specifications for the current ferries and the new vessels: Current ferries New ferries Length 76 feet 82 feet Beam 21 feet 29 feet Draft Six feet Six feet Passenger capacity (seated) 140 200 Passenger capacity (total) 250 250 Speed 12 knots 23 knots Environmental aspects: Noise: interior 72 decibels, exterior 80 decibels -- 100 metres away Wake: Three feet or less 300 metres away. The current ferries have a wake of four feet at 300 metres.

Smooth operator : Poised ready for a voyage, the sleek Renegade yacht sits at St. George's harbour. The vessel sailed on Monday for Fort Lauderdale, United States.

New ferry: An artist's impression of one of the new ferries.