She was built by FB Marine in 1991 and was the first waterjet propelled craft to operate on the route.

Powered by 2 MTU 1,360 kW (1,820 hp) 12V 396 Series TE 84 diesel engines, each driving a Marine Jet Power waterjet, she could complete the crossing between the two terminals in 22 minutes, cruising at 32.5 kn (60.2 km/h; 37.4 mph).

[2] After undergoing trials she was christened by Lady Stuart on 15 February 1991, subsequently entering service on 6 April.

[3] Between August and September 2008, she was chartered by the Stagecoach Group to operate a trial service in Torbay.

The two craft left Southampton on the La Rochelle bound for Saint Petersburg on 14 May.