The Shifty Sailors entertaining on the clean, new car deck aboard M. V. SAMISH Anacortes, WA., 20 May 2015 Photo by Allison Hart Lengyel© for Saltwater People Historical Society |
Problems with the TOKITAE’s propulsion system, which caused 26 sailings to be cancelled last year, informed the construction of the SAMISH; in addition, the TOKITAE's car ramps, with a steep angle that scraped the bottom of cars, were also redesigned for all three ferries. The SAMISH will accommodate up to 144 cars, which is 50 more cars than the ferry it will replace on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands run. After two months of sea trials, the SAMISH will begin its first day of active service June 14.
On hand at the christening were members of the Samish Indian Nation, for whom the ferry is named. Tribal Chairman, Tom Wooten, spoke on behalf of the Samish. Members of the tribe also performed a traditional song of welcome, after thanking people who were instrumental in the design, construction, and funding for the ferry. Other dignitaries present included members of the San Juan County Council; Frank Foti, CEO of Vigor Industrial Co, the company that built the ferry; Anacortes Mayor, Laurie Gere; and State Assistant Transportation Secretary, Lynn Griffith. Governor Jay Inslee’s wife, Trudi Inslee, performed the christening itself with a bottle of champagne.
In addition to increased capacity, the SAMISH also features wider car lanes and wider companionways, an ADA-compliant car-deck restroom, large sundecks at either end of the ferry with wrap-around windows, and advanced radar and navigation controls.The Samish Nation honored the M.V. SAMISH at christening 20 May 2015, Anacortes, WA. Photo by Allison Hart Lengyel © for the Saltwater People Historical Society |
Written for Saltwater People Historical Society by Allison Hart Lengyel, San Juan County guest at this event.
S.P.H.S. includes three book reviews by AHL, viewed easily with a search on this Log using the tag, Allison Hart Lengyel.
S.P.H.S. includes three book reviews by AHL, viewed easily with a search on this Log using the tag, Allison Hart Lengyel.
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