Cowes Week organisers say they welcome Red Funnel's plans to continue running their Isle of Wight ferry service, despite impending summer strike action.

The regatta team says the annual sailing event will go ahead as planned, from the end of this month (July).

A host of walk-out dates have been announced by Unite the Union, as its staff threaten action over pay and working conditions at the cross-Solent firm.

Red Funnel says its Red Jets are likely to be unaffected and it plans to release a temporary vehicle ferry timetable. 

Read more: 

A spokesperson for Cowes Week told the County Press: "We are obviously very pleased that Red Funnel have announced a contingency plan to run services through Cowes Week and we hope that the two sides will be able to get together and agree a permanent solution quickly."

"Cowes Week is one of the most important trading weeks of the year for a lot of retailers in the town and, as a world renowned event, it would be hugely disappointing if competitors were unable to get to the island to compete.

"We are investigating backup options in a worst case scenario and, come what may, the start gun will fire at 10:45 am on Saturday, July 31."

Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight's MP has, today (Tuesday), called for government action to protect passengers.

When are the planned Isle of Wight Ferry strikes?

Isle of Wight ferry workers on Red Funnel will walk out for 24 hours on July 27 and August 1,3 and 5, it has been revealed.

Further dates are planned on 9, 11, 15, 17, 19, 23, 26 and 29 August.

Unite members will be taking action over Cowes Week and the start of the school summer holidays.

Read more:

Cowes Week organisers revealed plans for 2022 earlier this year, including more races starting off the Royal Yacht Squadron line, some shortened courses and a new design class added and the addition of the FarEast 28 class, because the European Championships will take place in Cowes.

In June, strike action by GMB union members, working for Island waste contractor Amey, was called off when a pay deal was reached.