THEY are two of the most familiar vessels on Southampton Water, but after nearly two decades of high speed Solent travel, Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel’s Red Jet 1 and 2 have sailed for the final time.

The pair have been sold off and are now on route to the Caspian Sea, where they will start a new career transporting oil workers.

They have been replaced by a £2m new 35metre catamaran named Red Jet 5, which carries 187 passengers and enters service in July.

Jonathan Green, Red Funnel sales and marketing director, said: “The sale of Red Jets 1 & 2 to Caspian Mainport marks the end of an era. Built for Red Funnel in 1991 by FBM Marine in Cowes, they revolutionised cross-Solent travel and have clocked up more than 1.2 million miles apiece.”

The red jets, each weighing 70 tonnes, were loaded by Solent Stevedores ready for shipping by Segensworth marine logistics specialists PSP.

PSP managing director Frank Dixie said the job was a technical challenge: “It was a highly skilled technical job and there was just inches to spare, but we got there and everyone was happy.”