Karen Woods

England

Freelance Journalist at Freelance

Writer, broadcaster, traveller, communications person, student of wine. Never happier than when in the departure lounge, lots to see, lots to do…

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Articles

Young people with caring responsibilities experience adventure across the Solent

1 week ago | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Thirteen young people who take on caring responsibilities for family members set sail with Wightlink across the Solent from Lymington for a day trip to the Isle of Wight. They went on to visit the Needles Landmark Attraction, took a boat ride in a rigid inflatable (rib) and enjoyed ice cream in Yarmouth, thanks to sponsorship from a range of partners.
Wightlink Captain supports Sierra Leone water project through PPE donations

1 month ago | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Wightlink’s Captain, Steve Baker, combines sailing the Solent with volunteering on a project in Sierra Leone that supports local people to bring vital water supplies to their villages by digging wells. He’s now appealing for anyone with unwanted safety shoes and helmets and clothing such as high visibility jackets that are still in good condition to donate them. He’s pledging to make sure they reach communities in West Africa that will make good use of them.
Wightlink charity calendar sales raise £460 for maritime charity Safer Waves

1 month ago | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Sales of Wightlink’s charity calendar have raised £460 for a maritime charity founded by one of the company’s Masters. Safer Waves provides information and support and information to merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual violence or gender discrimination while working at sea. It was set up by Captain Becky Golabek. Wightlink’s calendar features striking photos of the company’s ferries and at ports, all taken by members of staff.
Wightlink restores cancelled bookings as St Clare ferry returns to service

2 months ago | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Round the clock repair work on Wightlink‘s St Clare ferry has proved successful and the ship will return to service with the 17:00 sailing from Fishbourne to Portsmouth this evening (Friday). We sincerely apologise for the disruption the recent cancellations will have caused to customers’ travel plans. Original bookings on St Clare (from 17:00) which had been cancelled, will be restored in our reservations system.
All sailings cancelled for St Clare ferry on Fishbourne-Portsmouth route

2 months ago | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Wightlink‘s St Clare ferry remains out of service on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route today because of a technical problem involving two engines. Both of them have developed faults which we believe are linked. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel all of St Clare’s scheduled sailings today and have informed customers. St Faith is operating a shuttle service and is fully booked. Cancel or amend booking onlineWe sincerely apologise for disrupting travel plans for our customers.
Isle of Wight cyclist Harrison Hendy joins GB Cycling Team's National Talent Pathway

2 months ago | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Keen Isle of Wight cyclist Harrison Hendy has joined the GB Cycling Team’s National Talent Pathway for road and track endurance racing, that could lead to Olympic glory. The 15-year-old from Arreton is one of 18 boys to be chosen to join the prestigious programme; four of them will be awarded a place in the Olympic Development Squad in September. Started at a young ageHarrison started cycling on a balance bike at the age of two.
Wightlink’s vehicle ferries diverted via Portsmouth International Port for week-long terminal works

Jan 22, 2025 | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Wightlink has embarked on a major programme of investment in maintenance at its car ferry port in Gunwharf Road to improve its services for customers. It includes replacing fenders at the berth that’s used round-the-clock for Wightlink’s lifeline route to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight and resurfacing the upper deck car lanes, access ramp and ferry boarding ramp. Scaffolding is being installed at the terminal with a covering to allow contractors to work in all weathers.
Last chance for Isle of Wight community projects

Jan 7, 2025 | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Isle of Wight people who care about the environment of their beautiful Island have just a few days left to apply for support from Wightlink’s Green Innovation Fund. The cross-Solent ferry company is calling on community groups who are passionate about sustainability to put their ideas on paper about how they can make a real difference by helping to cut carbon emissions and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
What passengers are leaving behind

Jan 2, 2025 | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Last updated:31, December 2024With more than four million people crossing the Solent every year with Wightlink, it’s not surprising that some of them leave things behind on ships and at ports. Although ferry company staff do all they can to reunite forgetful passengers with their possessions, sometimes it’s impossible. 2,447 lost items In 2024, 2,447 items ended up in the lost property store.
Wightlink announces sponsorship for Isle of Wight teams and groups in 2025

Dec 20, 2024 | onthewight.com | Karen Woods

Wightlink is proud to announce the Isle of Wight teams and groups it will sponsor in 2025. Next year, the ferry company will welcome four new organisations to the Wightlink in the Community family: Ryde Boxing Club, Ryde Swimming Club, Wightgymnasts (Xcel) and the Isle of Wight Young Farmers Club will join dozens of Island sporting, arts and community groups that are already supported with assisted travel.