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Post by WettCoast on Aug 22, 2022 11:10:47 GMT -8
More than 55 years in service and virtually all of that on the same route ...
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Post by Olympic Ferries on Aug 22, 2022 11:25:01 GMT -8
More than 55 years in service and virtually all of that on the same route ...
Great capture here! I personally love the head-on angle with the MQ the best; really captures the unique superstructure split down the middle with the tunnel.
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Post by Elwha on the Rocks on Aug 24, 2022 15:48:57 GMT -8
I recently got to ride the Mayne Queen from Swartz Bay to Galiano Island (via Saturna) on what will likely be my last sailing on the boat before it retires. This was only my second time riding this boat, and my first time stopping at Saturna, so combined with gorgeous weather it was a fun day out on the water! Here's the Mayne Queen as seen from the passing Queen of New Westminster Some tents, a sailboat, a ferry - the essence of the Gulf Islands is complete! A little while later, here she is taking a quick afternoon break alongside the Queen of Cumberland at Swartz Bay. It's funny to think that the Cumberland will soon be the "small boat" on this route. Onboard and on our way to Saturna Island. One side-note about this boat that can't be captured in pictures - I've never been a fan of the way the whistle sounds on the Mayne Queen. It's a deceptively loud single tone that becomes somewhat annoying after a day of transiting through Active Pass. The Powell River Queen had a three-tone setup installed that sounds much better. Even the Bowen had a deeper tone that was much more pleasing to the ear. At any rate, it's a pretty minor complaint on an otherwise fantastic ship! Boarding again at Saturna, showing just how much space there is ahead of the superstructure While not the best picture, this outside area on Deck 3 has become my favorite spot to spend time on the Bowen and Mayne. It's shady on a hot summer day, feels close to the water (and cardeck when loading), and seems to be rather forgotten by most other passengers. I ended up spending most of my time here on this sailing just enjoying the scenery and the boat Finally, here's the boat departing Galiano for Mayne Island. My final sailing on this boat is complete! This sailing was definitely a highlight of my recent trip! It's hard to beat sailing through the Gulf Islands on this boat on a nice summer afternoon, especially on a quiet sailing going against traffic.
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 24, 2022 1:14:42 GMT -8
Mayne Queen last day could be on November 19, 2022.
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Post by princessofvanfan on Sept 24, 2022 12:58:36 GMT -8
I recently got to ride the Mayne Queen from Swartz Bay to Galiano Island (via Saturna) on what will likely be my last sailing on the boat before it retires. This was only my second time riding this boat, and my first time stopping at Saturna, so combined with gorgeous weather it was a fun day out on the water! Nice post. You mention how much space there is fore and aft of the superstructure - let's not forget these ships were lengthened in the late 70's. I remember seeing a schedule announcing "Mayne Queen and Bowen Queen to be stretched!"
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Post by WettCoast on Sept 24, 2022 14:09:53 GMT -8
Nice post. You mention how much space there is fore and aft of the superstructure - let's not forget these ships were lengthened in the late 70's. I remember seeing a schedule announcing "Mayne Queen and Bowen Queen to be stretched!" Built as 50 car vessels, after lengthening that increased to 70 cars*. The stretch was done on all three of the PR-class vessels. No changes were ever made to the passenger accommodation except for the obvious change on the PRQ.
*Auto capacity is currently listed by BCFS as 58 in line with the company deciding re list reduced capacities for all vessels in the fleet.
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Post by Olympic Ferries on Sept 24, 2022 15:27:50 GMT -8
Mayne Queen last day could be on November 19, 2022. Definitely going to need more info than just this statement
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Sept 24, 2022 19:59:39 GMT -8
Mayne Queen last day could be on November 19, 2022. Definitely going to need more info than just this statement Was just looking through calculate fares on BC Ferries website.
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gartay1
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 16
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Post by gartay1 on Oct 10, 2022 14:56:45 GMT -8
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Oct 10, 2022 16:01:16 GMT -8
This poorly worded service notice.
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Nov 18, 2022 10:52:43 GMT -8
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Post by Ollie on Nov 18, 2022 12:55:00 GMT -8
It says "community members" will be welcomed to board the vessel, does that mean the public or only specific "community members"?
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Nov 18, 2022 13:48:22 GMT -8
It says "community members" will be welcomed to board the vessel, does that mean the public or only specific "community members"? It probably means anyone, I don’t think BC Ferries is expecting anyone else to show up except from the community.
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Nov 18, 2022 14:03:49 GMT -8
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Post by Ollie on Nov 18, 2022 14:14:25 GMT -8
Mayne Queen is supposed to get a life extension refit in May 2023
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Nov 18, 2022 14:29:19 GMT -8
Mayne Queen is supposed to get a life extension refit in May 2023 maybe I am glad that BC Ferries is thinking ahead with minor vessels. I wonder if we could see more service on Southern Gulf Island routes with her?
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,193
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Post by Neil on Nov 18, 2022 18:06:02 GMT -8
Mayne Queen is supposed to get a life extension refit in May 2023 maybe I am glad that BC Ferries is thinking ahead with minor vessels. I wonder if we could see more service on Southern Gulf Island routes with her? It will be interesting to see where the Mayne might be used in refit duty. Probably quite a few routes, actually. Anywhere served by Island class boats, as well as Vesuvius, Thetis & Penelakut. Wouldn't it be great if she fit the docks in Saanich Inlet? Summer service at Cortes would also be welcomed by folks there. Having a Salish class vessel along with the Queen of Cumberland on route five represents one of the most substantial capacity increases in some time on any route, and it even means food service on both boats there for the first time since about 1990, when the Mayne Queen's snack bar closed. I wonder if she'll ever be used, in a pinch, on route five again. It's great that BC Ferries is having her do a farewell tour, but, jeez, couldn't they have given people a bit more time? If I was saying goodbye to a beloved ferry, I would want to go onboard, stroll the decks, and just sit for a while. People are only getting fifteen minutes. Not nearly enough. Should have been done over a day, with maybe an hour at the four islands she served. Five, maybe, if you count the weekly schedule anomaly that periodically brought her into Long Harbour.
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Post by Dane on Nov 18, 2022 18:31:56 GMT -8
We really need to stop spending money on sixty year old ferries. Fun as a ferry fan. Absolutely ridiculous from a public policy perspective. In any event, it's fun to watch the fleet get bigger and bigger.
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Post by Dane on Nov 18, 2022 20:19:56 GMT -8
My ferry fan skills for the Southern Gulf Islands are rusty. Can someone help me/post the Mayne Queen departure from Swartz Bay for tomorrow Saturday, Nov 19?
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,193
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Post by Neil on Nov 18, 2022 20:56:53 GMT -8
We really need to stop spending money on sixty year old ferries. Fun as a ferry fan. Absolutely ridiculous from a public policy perspective. In any event, it's fun to watch the fleet get bigger and bigger. Absolutely agree on not keeping geriatric boats around. Have to admit, though, that while I celebrate a newer and larger capacity fleet, it's not 'fun' to be going to such a uniform fleet... from a fan perspective.
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Post by Cascadian Transport on Nov 19, 2022 4:26:31 GMT -8
My ferry fan skills for the Southern Gulf Islands are rusty. Can someone help me/post the Mayne Queen departure from Swartz Bay for tomorrow Saturday, Nov 19? Mayne Queen should be facilitating the 5:40, 8:15, 15:40, and 19:25 sailings from Swartz Bay today. When I have more time I'll try to post the full Route 5A timetable.
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Post by Blisswood on Nov 19, 2022 22:12:53 GMT -8
My most recent trip on the Mayne Queen was Saturday, July 2 of this year. I wonder where she'll be next... One of the reasons I like this class of ship is we're the same age - 1965. I thought about going on a sailing today, but got called in to work. Too bad - the weather was perfect! There was another sailing at 7:30 PM but that was just a little late for me, besides being in the dark all the way...no thanks. I've been watching her last regular trip on SIITECH, but BCF's site and Vessel Tracking is down for scheduled maintenance. Has anyone else been tracking her tonight?
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alex912
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 22
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Post by alex912 on Nov 20, 2022 19:14:13 GMT -8
Mayne Queen has pulled into Fulford Harbour. Wonder how long she’s gonna sit for before her next assignment?
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Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 21, 2022 8:47:43 GMT -8
Absolutely agree on not keeping geriatric boats around. Have to admit, though, that while I celebrate a newer and larger capacity fleet, it's not 'fun' to be going to such a uniform fleet... from a fan perspective. Route 5 without the Mayne Queen is almost as odd as the World Cup without the Azzurri. Something's missing....
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Post by paulvanb on Nov 21, 2022 11:48:58 GMT -8
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