The naval architect for all the Townsend fleet from the Free Enterprise I to the Pride of Calais was James Ayres.
He certainly did not follow conventional fashion when designing his ships. The Free Enterprise I was far removed in design terms from the State ferries plying across the Straits in the early 1960's. When he designed the FEIV class in the late 60's / early 70's, again they brought a breath of fresh air and grace to the water whereas the Sealink management were just too frightened of spending money incase a channel tunnel was built!
Then, in 1979 / 80 came the Spirit class of 3 - with an appearance that drew critisism and praise in equal measure......just as any good Architect should!!!! The Prides of Dover and Calais, really, were just evolutions of the Spirits and nicknamed 'Chunnel Beaters' as they were the largest ferries ever to cross the Dover Straits...........at that time.
Today, set against the Maersk 'D's, the new Spirits or even the Darwin sisters, the two Prides are quite modest in comparison. Spirit of Free Enterprise was lengthened by some 30m to perform as a 'running mate' to the two Prides - to ensure that there was some parity between vessels on the Calais run.
James Ayres was, in my eyes, a revolutionary naval architect - a man I would truly love to meet.
Carl
PS - Ali.........here is a link to the FIMO. My sister uses it to create all sorts of jewelry and crafty things.....
http://www.fimo.com/FIMO_oven_hardening_modelling_clay?ActiveID=138502C