THE JOHN Lewis Partnership owned ferry Castello, used to take guests over to Brownsea Island, has been replaced after over 50 years of service.

A brand new 12-metre catamaran constructed by BW SeaCat of Portchester replaces the nine-metre wooden hulled vessel with the same name.

The ferry, which will carry guests and supplies for Brownsea Castle, was greeted by the National Trust ferry Brownsea Enterprise before its delivery voyage from Portchester to Brownsea Island on February 26.

The boat’s first skipper was John Herbert, who drove the Castello for 36 years.

Boat enthusiast Kevin Mitchell said: “The original Castello is a nine-metre wooden hulled vessel originally built for the Thames River Police in the early 1960s.

“It was never actually put into service by them, instead it was purchased by the John Lewis Partnership in 1965.

“George Cooper was the Secretary of Brownsea Island at that time, and he managed the restoration of Brownsea Castle for the John Lewis Partnership, who ever since has used the castle as a luxury hotel for their staff.”

In September 2020, John Lewis took the decision to replace Castello after 55 years, along with announcing wider improvements to handling practices, passenger and crew safety, as well as disabled access around the island.

Along with this, the company, which leases Brownsea Castle from the Poole Harbour island’s owners the National Trust, submitted plans to build a new pontoon to improve general and disabled access for visitors getting on and off the new vessel.

Mr Mitchell added: “Due to its age and wooden construction, Castello is costly to maintain and is now too small for the needs of its owners.

“So, the John Lewis Partnership had a brand new 12m catamaran which can carry 35 passengers.

“The new Castello has twin JCB engines on water jet drives with joystick control for manoeuvrability.”

Although trips for people to Brownsea Island are not currently running due to the coronavirus restrictions, John Lewis Partnership have said they are looking forward to welcoming back guests soon.

In an announcement on their website, John Lewis Partnership said: “Your experience with us will be slightly different in light of the Covid-19 situation.

“Rest assured, our Team will be doing everything possible to ensure that you have a very enjoyable stay whilst helping to keep everyone safe.”