St Columba Revisited

August 2000

Just before I left Ireland to live in Australia in August 2000, I took a very welcome opportunity to travel to Greece with my good friend Russell Plummer (Ship's Monthly, Cruise & Ferry Info). Our plan? To sail on the former St Columba, in service with Hellas Ferries.

It was a quick visit, just three days, but it ranks as probably one of the most enjoyable I have yet to experience. An added bonus was a run to Paros in the Express Santorini and return in the Express Apollon, the former Chartres and Senlac respectively, but the highlight was of course the passage to Siros, Tinos and Mykonos in the Express Aphrodite.

First impression? She was still the Stena Hibernia! Throughout, she was largely unaltered since her final Holyhead years, apart from some obvious alterations around the stern, where new passenger access from the stern door up to her aft mooring deck now existed and more notably her aft wheelhouse had been removed.

Another lasting impression was created by her Greek crew who were obviously very proud of their ship; the Express Aphrodite was absolutely spotless!  The ship was in fine form and as was demonstrated when we caught and passed the former Hengist at sea, was running at just over 20 knots without so much as a hiccup! 

Hellas Ferries today trades as Hellenic Seaways, a change which saw a welcome return of a blue hull and black-topped red funnel to the former British Rail ship. More on her Greek career  can be seen on the St Columba in Greece page.

Taking bunkers at Piraeus.	Disembarking passengers Greek style.	A rather crowded Boat Deck.
Chasing the Express Artemis.	Passing the Express Artemis, the former Hengist.	On the bridge entering Siros.
Hard-a-starboard at a rate of knots!	A kick astern on the starboard engine...	...and we're soon running towards the quay.
Pulling her up, note the road!	Yours truly.	Capt Basilios watches the anchor.
Kos kos, the African Grey parrot greets the R/O.	The Greeks think of everything!	Passing the southern tip of Kea.
Kea...	...closer...	!!!
Clearing the island of Kea.	A link to her past.	Passenger access to the vehicle deck.
Aft wheelhouse removed.	Looking astern.	Passengers on the Verandah Deck.
Sun shines on the Bridge Deck.	Tinos arrival.	Hard-a-port, full thrust, then both astern.
Tinos turnaround.	Mykonos arrival.	Close.
Chief Officer on bridge wing calling distance to the master in the wheelhouse.	When the stern cleared, the starboard engine was put full astern to bring the stern up to the quay.	Alongside at Mykonos.
Leaving Mykonos.	A wave from the bridge brought back memories of standing on a different pier!	The Express Aphrodite turns for Tinos.

All photos © Justin Merrigan