Wightlink celebrate retirement of commuter after 45 years of him crossing the Solent

Commuter Brian Hull with Captain Chris Tilley

Wightlink staff handed out cake to everyone on the 06:47am FastCat sailing from Ryde Pier Head to Portsmouth Harbour on Wednesday 20th December to mark Brian Hull’s last day at work at the Naval Base.

The 62-year-old pipe fitter from Binstead started commuting on 1st May 1972, and estimates he’s crossed the Solent 10,800 times, notching up 108,000 miles since then. That’s more than four times around the world.

Brian has travelled on ten different passenger ferries and catamarans during his 45 years at work.

He said: “I’ll miss sailing the Solent in all weathers with my fellow commuters, but I’ll be back on Ryde Pier before too long to do some fishing.”

Wightlink marked the milestone by handing out slices of Calbourne Classics cake to all customers on the early morning sailing. These Island-made cakes are also on sale on Wightlink’s car ferries.

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said: “We were delighted to celebrate Brian’s loyalty to Wightlink on his last day at work, and wish him all the best in retirement.”