The Samish sails the Salish Sea, photo courtesy of Bill Pike
Festivities and speeches marked the first official sailing of the new M/V Samish on her inaugural route, leaving Anacortes on the 6 a.m. trip to Lopez, Shaw and Orcas. County Councilman Rick Hughes said, “It’s a true honor to have her serving the San Juans.”
Joining Hughes were Council member Bob Jarman and County Manager Mike Thomas, Friday Harbor Town Administrator Duncan Wilson and Mayor Carrie Lacher were on hand to greet the newest WSF vessel.
The unofficial flag of San Juan County flies under the National Flag. Photo courtesy Bill Pike
On San Juan Island, musical entertainment provided by the San Juan Jazz Quintet was followed by a few words from Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation Lynn Peterson. Fire District #3 and the new fire boat Sentinel provided an escort into the harbor.
State Senator Kevin Ranker was also on hand as the boat arrived in Friday Harbor on Sunday, June 14, also the first day of the new Summer Ferry Schedule.
The new 144-car Samish officially joins the Washington State Ferries fleet. It was built by Vigor Industrial. The new
Olympic Class ferry begins service on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route after two months of sea trials.
WSF Ferries head Lynne Griffith, Assistant Secretary WSDOT/Ferries Division, has said, “The Samish… continues our commitment to replace older vessels and plan ahead for the future.”
So the 6:00 a.m. sailing from Anacortes to Orcas, returning to Anacortes at 7:35 doesn’t count as an “official” sailing? WSF and FH must be confused as to the meaning of inaugural. Tell it to the passengers (myself included) who enjoyed the new boat BEFORE it went to Friday Harbor Sunday morning.
Cute, John, very cute!!!