Sealink-Holyhead: St David

The St David

A Welsh Saint Sails On! The St David Blockade

The St David arrives in Holyhead for the first time, 5 August 1981. © John Marsh, courtesy Capt Ray Veno

Originally planned for Sealink's Fishguard to Rosslare service, the St David was instead allocated to Holyhead as the second ship. She arrived at Holyhead on 5 August 1981, replacing the chartered Prinsessan Desiree in service five days later. At the end of her first season the St David replaced the St Columba as the route's main ship, the newcomer being more economical to operate during the quieter winter months. By early 1983 the roles had been reversed and the St David now spent her winter months relieving at other ports, including Stranraer, Fishguard and Dover.

A superb view of the St David, Seen from a refitting St Columba. © Capt Neville Lester

Launch Day at Belfast: September 25, 1980	Four sisters together. H&W yard No's 1713 Galloway Princess 1715 St Anselm, 1716 St Christopher & 1717 St David. ©Tom MacCluskie Collection	Completing final fit out at Belfast before delivery to her new owners. © Alan Geddes
Delivery: Under the command of Capt. Idwal Pritchard, St David arrives home, August 1981.	On builders trials in the Irish Sea. © Justin Merrigan Collection	The St David glides through Holyhead Harbour for the first time. © Capt Glynne Pritchard
Leaving Dun Laoghaire for Holyhead. © Justin Merrigan	Appearing through a summer fog, the St David approaches the berth in Holyhead. Photographer unknown.	Capt Bob Crane brings the St David home. © Capt Neville Lester
*St David*'s upper vehicle deck © Capt Neville Lester	Drydock at Govan © Justin Merrigan Collection	On the Clyde at Govan, December 30 1983. © Paul Strathdee
The St David on the Clyde. © Paul Strathdee	The St David glides through the still waters of Holyhead Harbour. © Capt Glynne Pritchard	In readiness for privatisation the St David is seen minus her British Rail arrows. © Justin Merrigan
Alongside the Refit Berth between sailings. © Justin Merrigan	Resting at Holyhead. © Justin Merrigan	At the Refit Berth. © Justin Merrigan

Showing off her new livery, Autumn 1984 © Capt Neville Lester

In 1985, one of the first acts of Sealink's new owners, Sea Containers, was to abolish the second ship at Holyhead and enter into a pooling arrangement with competitors B+I Line. The St David was transferred to Dover for what was to be a shortlived spell on the Ostend service. By the end of that year she had been switched back to Irish waters taking up a permanent slot on the Stranraer to Larne service in January 1986. her final spell of service on the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire run was in April 1988 when she relieved the St Columba for overhaul. Unfortunately she suffered an engine room fire while alongside at the Irish port forcing an early withdrawal from service for repairs before she returned to the Scottish link.

Unfortunately she was not a ship of good looks, especially when viewed from astern. © Justin Merrigan Collection

Seen from a better angle! © Justin Merrigan Collection

A view from the starboard bridge wing as the St David moves astern through Holyhead's harbour © Capt Neville Lester

The aft deck seen from the aft wheelhouse © Capt Neville Lester

Departing Holyhead, St David's Foredeck seen from the bridge © Capt Neville Lester

Looking aft from the port bridge wing. © Justin Merrigan

Leaving Dun Laoghaire in April 1988

Upon the sale of Sealink British Ferries to Stena Line in 1991 the St David was renamed Stena Caledonia and as if to emphasise she was now a Scottish ship her port of registry changed from London to Stranraer. On 13 July 1998 she operated a sailing between Rosslare and Roscoff as one of three Stena ships chartered to assist with the movement of equipment following the Irish leg of the Tour de France cycle race. The last of the Harland & Wolff 'Saint class' ships to remain in service in UK waters, and indeed the last Sealink ship to remain in service with Stena Line, she continues in operation between Belfast and Stranraer alongside the HSS Stena Voyager.

Additional Pages: A Welsh Saint Sails On! The St David Blockade

Thank you to Capt Neville Lester, Capt Glynne Pritchard and Capt Wyn Parry for contributions