Red Jet 4, the new high-speed catamaran for Red Funnel's passenger service between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, is to be officially named tomorrow.

The £2.6m vessel built by North West Bay Ships in Tasmania has been undertaking trials and crew training during the last few weeks in and around Southampton Water.

With a passenger capacity of 277, Red Jet 4, which is due to enter service next Monday, is bigger than the three earlier catamarans currently in service with Red Funnel.

Round the world yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur will perform the naming ceremony at the Cowes Yacht Haven on the Isle of Wight after a service of dedication led by Rev Richard Emblin.

The arrival of Red Jet 4, with a service speed of around 35 knots, means that if a suitable berth is found, Red Funnel could operate to East Cowes as well as West Cowes.