Last year, I made several attempts to visit Dieppe on the Hoverspeed Seacat, which was frequently either cancelled or delayed owing to rough seas or engine failure before its final hibernation between last November and March this year.

I wrote to The Argus last October suggesting a proper ferry boat be reinstated which, although taking four hours, could sail in all weathers and all year round.

I have just returned from a weekend in Dieppe on Hoverspeed's new, super-duper, even bigger Seacat.

Unfortunately, on Monday evening, the new super-duper, even bigger Seacat was subject to severe delays (again) because of the failure (again) of not one, but two of its four engines.

Amid profuse apologies and being told the journey would take four hours instead of two, we were issued with £2 vouchers in compensation to spend on "refreshments". I had great difficulty in finding a "refreshment" for £2.

Eventually we arrived back at 1am, four hours late. I was not a happy bunny because I had to work the next day.

However, my wishes would appear to be granted. From a week on Monday the French company Transmanche Ferries will be running a proper ferry service, twice daily, and maybe life will revert to how it was in the days before we were subjected to Super Seacats, which, despite repeated promises, seem unable to cope with an often very rough 60-mile crossing.

The booking will be taken by Hoverspeed who, as yet, have understandably not done any promotion on the project.

-Pam Baines, Kingsway, Hove