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Isle of Wight Steam Packet Company
Set up by in 1826 when PS George IV was placed on a Southampton-Cowes service in opposition to the established Isle of Wight Royal Mail Steam Packet Company by owners based at the mainland port.

The Southampton, Isle of Wight & South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Co was formed in 1861 by way of a merger of the interess of the two companies. In 1861 a new entrant placed two modern steamers on the station, prompting this pooling of resources which was to form the company which became the dominant force in steamer operations in the area.

Vessels taken over by the "Southampton" company

Gem
Emerald
Sapphire

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South Coast