Managing director Colin Craig said: “We already had a lot of bookings for the Campbeltown/Ballycastle service, a lot from cyclists in both directions.
“But even before the service starts we are going to take a lot of motorcyle enthusiasts to Northern Ireland for the Northwest 200 race week.
“We are also hopeful of getting tradesmen coming to work on the Machrihanish Dunes golf development and in hotels in the area.”
The link to Troon is ideal for golfing holidays, he said, allowing players to combine visits to the Royal Troon and Turnberry courses in Ayrshire and the Machrihanish Dunes course in Kintyre.
Mr Craig added: “We also hope, in time, to develop a triangular service linking Troon to Ballycastle as well. However, we are very encouraged there has been so much interest already.”
The new fast rigid inflatable boat (rib) ferry is 35ft long and has room for 12 passengers and the Troon route starts operating on 1st April with the route to Ballycastle starting on 27th May. Passengers can book now and there is also the added bonus for cyclists as bikes are carried free of charge. Kintyre Express is also also open for charter work to Ireland and Troon.
Both Kintyre Express and Kintyre Express 2 are centrally heated with fully enclosed cabins. One will make two daily return trips on the 30-mile route to Ballycastle four days a week, while the other will make two return trips to Troon, on demand, on three days a week, as well as being available for charter.
The trips will take 90 minutes to cross to Antrim (single £30, return £55) and 75 minutes to travel to Troon (single £50, return £80).
More information on this fantastic new service can be found at the Kintyre Express website at http://www.kintyreexpress.com/index.html
Leaving Campbeltown (and the mist) behind
Meeting kintyre express 1 at Tarbert to collect guests
Lorne MacDougall (Carradale) piping on KE2
Both Kintyre express boats and Rebdays own boat at Portavadie
Kintyre express 1 & 2 dressed with flags
Jennifer naming the boat
