Champion Jet 3

The Champion Jet 3 is a high-speed ferry constructed in 1997. It measures 87 meters in length and 26 meters in width, and accommodates up to 1,100 passengers and 200 vehicles.
Continue reading to learn about routes, seating options, onboard facilities, and more.

The Champion Jet 3 primarily operates in the central and northern Cyclades, offering fast, reliable connections between Athens (Piraeus Port) and several of the most visited islands in the Aegean Sea. Its main route network includes Syros, Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini, forming one of Seajets’ key high-speed links between the mainland and the Cyclades. These crossings are popular among both tourists traveling between major islands and residents relying on regular service during the summer months.

The Athens (Piraeus)-Mykonos and Athens (Piraeus)-Santorini routes are among the most popular, with typical travel times of about 3 and 6 hours, respectively, depending on weather conditions and intermediate stops. Shorter inter-island routes such as Syros-Mykonos, Naxos-Ios, and Ios-Santorini are also popular, with travel times of about 40 minutes each.

Operations are seasonal, typically running from April or May through October, when travel demand in the Cyclades is at its highest. During this period, the vessel maintains daily departures, serving all islands on the route. In the off-season, sailings are reduced or suspended entirely, as the vessel undergoes maintenance before returning to service for the next summer season.

Discover the seating options available on the vessel:

Economy / Silver Class

The standard option on the Champion Jet 3 is Economy (Silver) Class, featuring numbered aircraft-style seats arranged in spacious, air-conditioned lounges. Large windows provide sea views, and passengers have easy access to the snack bar and restrooms. This class is the most affordable and practical choice.

Business / Club Class

Business (Club) Class offers a more comfortable and quieter environment with extra legroom and fewer passengers. The lounge is typically located on an upper or central deck, providing better views and easier access to onboard services. This class is ideal for passengers seeking additional space and comfort on longer or busier routes.

First Class / Platinum Class

At the highest tier, Platinum (VIP) Class provides an exclusive and private lounge area equipped with spacious reclining seats, panoramic windows, and a calm, premium setting. Some seats are arranged around small tables, adding extra comfort and privacy. Depending on the route, passengers may also benefit from dedicated service. This class is ideal for those who value a quieter environment and upgraded amenities, especially on longer or high-demand crossings such as Athens-Santorini.

The vessel is equipped with a wide range of services to enhance comfort throughout your journey.

Food & drink

Onboard, the Champion Jet 3 features a snack bar and café located in the main lounge, offering a selection of hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, light snacks, and pastries. The bar is easily accessible from all seating areas and serves passengers throughout the crossing.

Shopping facilities

A small onboard shop is available, offering travel essentials and local souvenirs.

Pet-friendly facilities

The vessel is pet-friendly and includes onboard kennels for pets weighing over 10 kg. Animals weighing under 10 kg may travel in appropriate carriers provided by their owners. Certified assistance animals and guide dogs can travel without carrier requirements, provided the proper documentation is presented.

Accessibility features

The vessel is equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility. All main lounges, restrooms, and service areas are wheelchair-accessible, and crew members are available to assist with boarding and disembarkation when needed.

Wi-Fi and connectivity

A paid Wi-Fi service is available, allowing passengers to stay connected at sea. The service is offered for a small fee, and the connection quality may vary depending on signal range and sea conditions.

Additional services

Additional onboard services include an information desk to assist passengers with schedules and travel inquiries.

The Champion Jet 3 has a dedicated garage deck and can carry up to 200 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, campervans, caravans, trailers, and light trucks. Bicycles are accepted on board and are typically transported free of charge.

Passengers may carry up to 50 kg or 1 cubic meter of luggage, free of charge. If this limit is exceeded, the company does not offer the option to purchase additional baggage allowance; excess baggage may be refused at boarding if it cannot be accommodated.

The company accepts responsibility for damage or loss of luggage only when it has been formally handed over for safekeeping and a receipt has been provided. Seajets is not responsible for money, valuables, or luggage left in common areas of the vessel.

The transportation of flammable or hazardous materials is strictly prohibited.

Discover the history of the vessel:

Construction and early years (1997-2001)

Champion Jet 3 was built by Incat in Hobart, Tasmania, and launched in 1997 as Incat 045. After brief civilian charter service in Australia, it was chartered by the Royal Australian Navy as HMAS Jervis Bay (1999-2001), transporting troops and equipment between Darwin and Dili during the INTERFET/East Timor operations.

Return to civilian service and European debut (2002-2004)

Following decommissioning, it returned to commercial work and moved to Europe in 2002 on charter to the Italian operator TRIS (marketed as “Winner”) before the venture ended later that year. The vessel was then laid up in the UK pending a longer-term role.

SpeedFerries era (2004-2008)

In 2004, it joined SpeedFerries, renamed SpeedOne, and operated the Dover-Boulogne link. On 28 December 2007, while unladen, it struck the Prince of Wales Pier at Dover; damage was repaired and service resumed on 31 December. In November 2008, French authorities detained the ship over unpaid harbour duties as SpeedFerries collapsed into administration, after which the vessel was laid up.

Overhaul and operation under Condor Ferries (2009-2021)

In 2009, it underwent reactivation and an engine overhaul at A&P Falmouth, and in 2010 was purchased by Condor Ferries, renamed Condor Rapide, and placed on the route between Channel Islands and St Malo, carrying both vehicles and foot passengers through the 2010s. In 2021, with Condor’s fleet changes, it was sold to Trasmapi and laid up in Spain without entering service.

Seajets Acquisition (2023-present)

In August 2023, Seajets acquired the vessel and renamed it Champion Jet 3, adding it to its high-speed Aegean network. Since then, it has been deployed seasonally on Cyclades routes, complementing Champion Jet 1 and Champion Jet 2.