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Post by Balfour on Nov 22, 2008 1:19:31 GMT -8
I just got back from my first sailing on the CC. I took the 6PM from TSA this evening and it was pretty stormy. She rocking and bumping around pretty good but she handled the weather like a champ!
Once we were in the Gulf Islands she handled quite well and sailed very smoothly. She did the trip in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
It was a fairly busy sailing, however it seemed much roomier with deck 5 being open.
I would say that the Coastals suit Route 1 quite well.
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Quatchi
Voyager 
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
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Post by Quatchi on Nov 22, 2008 1:24:54 GMT -8
Uhm wow it makes us sound so nerdy.
Cheers,
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Post by hwy19man on Nov 22, 2008 2:14:08 GMT -8
Her transit time today on return from TSW to SWB was fast. I read two reports - one saying 90 minutes and the other saying 75. These are fast, but no better than what the Alberni used to routinely do on this route 32 years ago.  |
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Post by WettCoast on Nov 22, 2008 7:58:13 GMT -8
Her transit time today on return from TSW to SWB was fast. I read two reports - one saying 90 minutes and the other saying 75. These are fast, but no better than what the Alberni used to routinely do on this route 32 years ago. Seventy-five minutes was her scheduled time for the crossing. At that time she was single decked, operated through Active Pass in mode 1, and of course was double ended unlike her route one running mates. Also, what is the scheduled time today for a C class to make the 30 nautical mile crossing on route 2? Remember that route 1 is 24 nautical miles. |
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 22, 2008 12:40:50 GMT -8
Just two photos I took yesterday on the Celebration on the way to Tsawwassen this is what the seas were like yesterday.   The only two photos I took yesterday! lol! |
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Post by Northern Exploration on Nov 22, 2008 13:42:00 GMT -8
Indeed. Meet the Queen..  Worst picture ever!! I hate being on video, I hate the way my mouth moves when I talk....eewy. Well you could go to the other extreme and be like Don Newman on CBC who's lips don't move at all. How long until someone asks for the Queen's autograph . |
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Post by corporalrabbinoff on Nov 22, 2008 14:27:54 GMT -8
I did see this news report and I also got a copy of today's Times Colonist. Nice to see this board get some media attention.
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Post by Queen of Nanaimo Teen on Nov 22, 2008 21:56:56 GMT -8
Good to see that there is so many positive comments about the new vessels, rather than negative. I, however will not be seen on one of these ships for a very long time. I will continue to avoid the coastals at all costs, until i absolutely have to go on one. Also, excellent to see that the forum is getting more publicity. I really think that reporter did a good job "documenting" how us ferry nerds work. That also brings up the question, how much does BC Ferries really know about us, and do they monitor the forum regularly?? (sorry about the derailing) But I am a bit confused as to why she would operate on a Friday and Sunday only. Why not Saturday? Would it not be equally busy then? It seems as if the C.C. has just replaced the Saanich and nothing more. You'd think she would have priority over the Spirits. I do like how they brought back the buffet though, I think that really adds to the ship. Of the 3 Coastals, I would like to go on the Celebration the most. (Not that it'll happen anytime soon  ) Queen of Nanaimo Teen |
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Post by DENelson83 on Nov 22, 2008 22:05:29 GMT -8
I will continue to avoid the coastals at all costs, until i absolutely have to go on one. Or any of the other vessels in the fleet, given you're inland. [Invites QoNT to take the Osprey 2000] |
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 22, 2008 22:41:04 GMT -8
I love the Coastals but I think out of the Celebration and the two Spirits I like the Spirits better on route 1. I love the Coastals but I dont like the early arrivals and 1hr and 20 min crossings the Celebration seems to do. She is a nice ship and has the amenities for route 1 but if she would just do the crossing at normal speeds it would be more better!
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Post by DENelson83 on Nov 22, 2008 22:43:49 GMT -8
Well, Karl, maybe you'll get your wish if one of the other two Coastals—perhaps the CI—gets put on Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen. They may have to take off a little speed to pass each other in Active Pass—although that may only add an extra five minutes to the voyage.
However, the QNW may give the same effect as well, assuming she even comes back from that perpetual refit of hers.
Then again, BCF still has the Queen of Vancouver.
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Post by superc12 on Nov 23, 2008 1:07:07 GMT -8
how do u put an image in as your profile pic? im new and im just learning. could u help me out please?
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Post by Hardy on Nov 23, 2008 3:01:25 GMT -8
Her transit time today on return from TSW to SWB was fast. I read two reports - one saying 90 minutes and the other saying 75. These are fast, but no better than what the Alberni used to routinely do on this route 32 years ago. Maybe we can get Markus to chime in on this, but from what I have read in the public (and forum) docs, I believe that with the way that the Coastals are optimizedto run with the props/engine combo that the fuel burn has less to do with speed -- engines are running at a certain RPM and speed is moderated by changing the pitch of the props. There is a bit of an increase due to other factors when operating at higher speeds, but the amount of fuel burn is not linked one-for-one with the vessel speed. |
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D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Nov 23, 2008 3:22:38 GMT -8
Worst picture ever!! I hate being on video, I hate the way my mouth moves when I talk....eewy. Well you could go to the other extreme and be like Don Newman on CBC who's lips don't move at all. How long until someone asks for the Queen's autograph . lol...EQ have you been practicing your special queen's little wave in front of the mirror to make sure you have it just right? ;D |
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D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Nov 23, 2008 3:39:27 GMT -8
I wonder how much more fuel was consumed than normal to do the route in 75 minutes? Maybe we can get Markus to chime in on this, but from what I have read in the public (and forum) docs, I believe that with the way that the Coastals are optimizedto run with the props/engine combo that the fuel burn has less to do with speed -- engines are running at a certain RPM and speed is moderated by changing the pitch of the props. There is a bit of an increase due to other factors when operating at higher speeds, but the amount of fuel burn is not linked one-for-one with the vessel speed. I will say this "increasing energy out requires increasing energy in." No way to get around it...conservation of energy! As the pitch on the props increases, so does the speed of the ship. and the load on the prime movers. A correspondingly larger fuel consumption is required to keep the engine from losing RPM. Think of it like hitting a hill in the truck; if you are going to maintain speed, you need more fuel. Shifting gears may allow you to gain a more advantageous point in your power band, and you may lose or gain overall efficiency. Variable pitch props allow you to always have that engine running at the best compromise of power, torque and efficiency, which, from what I understand, is right at the torque peak RPM. Aircraft props are tuned in a similar manner. |
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Post by Hardy on Nov 23, 2008 7:01:54 GMT -8
Ok, ya caught me - I was writing tired, had a thought and skipped a large part of it in the mental editting. The Coastals were designed to operate most efficiently at a relatively high service speed. Having a "fast" crossing on Rte-1, which is AT the designed service speed for the Coastals may not necessarily be the colossal waste of fuel that everyone assumes. The hullform, engines and propellers were modelled and designed for this from the ground up. Using Elete's "trucking comparison", having it in a higher gear (ie: an overdrive gear) is the most fuel economical way to cruise around. Early progressive shifting pattern saves fuel all through the power band. Unlike trucking, however, there are no uphills and downhills in the water -- however, there is cavitation, thermal layers and currents ... It is also correctly stated that larger diesel motors are at their most efficient when they are at high revs but below redline (Maximum RPM). Most medium-duty trucks max out at 2750 RPM, with the redline being 3000-3100; a good cruise RPM where the engine is happy on a flat stretch and the fuel econo-metre on the trip computer is at it's lowest number (other than coasting!) seems to be 2550-2650 RPM -- just below the maximum operating. Furthermore, assuming that everything is IN TUNE (ie: levels topped off, fluids maintained/changed etc) this is also where the least amount of wear and tear takes place on ALL of the components (other than OFF). Of course, if one thing (say the radiator or cooling system) is not operating at 100%, or a bearing in the fan belt pulley is worn, then things deteriorate rather quickly and the aforementioned statement is no longer valid. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Nov 23, 2008 8:12:51 GMT -8
how do u put an image in as your profile pic? im new and im just learning. could u help me out please? If you promise never to type "im" or "u" on this forum again, we'll be glad to help. The pic on the left-side is called an avatar and the pic on the bottom is called a signature. Since you are new here, please read the forum rules & information page. It is here: ferriesbc.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=rrr&action=display&thread=3466The above-linked section includes comments on posting images, which is what you were asking about. It also has posting guidelines on things such as English use, which is what I was talking about. Lastly, please introduce yourself here in this thread: ferriesbc.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=rrr&action=display&thread=3465&page=12People find it easier to discuss issues with new people if we have an idea of who the new person is and their level of interest and experience. ps: this is an off-topic post. In future, forum-related questions should be asked in the "rules and information" page of the forum. For all you regulars, sorry for the off-topic here. Thanks for the grace. |
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Post by corporalrabbinoff on Nov 23, 2008 18:17:50 GMT -8
I am suprised at all of you who took the Coastal Celebrations first trip, there is no pictures posted yet exept the 2 Karl posted. You are falling behind. LOL!
Anyway FYI according to the RBI The Queen of Cowichan takes over from the Coquitlam on November 29 and will remain in service thru December 5.
The Renaissance is scheduald for service out of Departure Bay begining on December 6 with the 06:30am sailing.
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Post by Coastal Drought on Nov 23, 2008 19:30:03 GMT -8
Here are my photos from Friday |
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Post by Esquimalt Queen on Nov 23, 2008 20:26:34 GMT -8
WARNING: LONGT POST, LARGE PHOTOS TOO!This is my first time posting photos, so please don't be angry with me if my photos take up too much space...I was having a hard time deciding which photos to post. I started my Friday by leaving my house at 8:40 am to get the bus from Esquimalt to downtown, then from there to Swartz Bay. I was supposed to meet another forum member getting off the ferry at 10:35 but he didn't show up, so I ended up bumming around the terminal, watching ships come and go, and watching people setting up for the ribbon cutting ceremony. There was a huge turnout for the ceremony, mostly staff and media. David Hahn was at the ceremony, and I talked to him briefly, just before getting swamped by media. I showed him my tattoo, and he smirked and said "that's funny".   After all the ribbon shenanigans, I went upstairs to get ready to board the ship in berth 2. When I got there, I managed to bump into Dane and Karl. I was soo happy to see them because I thought I was going to end up travelling on the ship by myself. A couple minutes later, John (aka the Grinch) joined us as well. Most people were sitting in the waiting room for berth 1, I am guessing it's because this is what they are accustomed to doing. When the doors opened for us to board the ship, it was only Dane, Karl, John, and I walking on, then there was about a half of a minute gap before the rest of the footie crowd caught on. I ran ahead of Karl and Dane so I could be the first footie on the ship:  Dane and Karl  David Hahn greeted everyone as they boarded the ship.  I had never seen so many BCF officials on board before, they were all on their cellphones, looking important and whatnot. We wandered around the ship, and I noticed that the Queen of Saanich's crew brought some of her things over to the C.Cel:  Captain George Capacci had told some of us that there were going to be some differences with the C.Cel as opposed to her sisters. One thing he had mentioned was the car deck. The little rise that leads from the car deck to the doorway has been cemented over to prevent tripping.  Dane, Karl, John and I explored the ship, were interviewed by A-Channel news, and enjoyed the somewhat "rough" sailing. After all that, we were becoming hungry, so we decided to check out the buffet. It was pretty nice in there, except it did seem smaller than the Spirit Class' buffets. I was quite impressed though, they served mussels in a white sauce. I am always happy when there are mussels served. When it was time for the 6pm sailing from Tsawassen, Dane departed from the group, and Coastal Skier, NewFlyer, Tyler (sorry, I don't know your forum name), C.Cassidy, and Mr. Cadmunkey, joined us in the fun. The area to board the ship allows the passengers to pass right beside the bridge of the ship, which I think is really neat, but also somewhat dangerous, if the "wrong" people board the ship. Nonetheless, it was interesting, because the configuration of the ship caused this fun windtunnel to form, so footies were greeted by a crazy gust of wind.  The guys spent most of their time enjoying the gusts and the rain on deck 7.  Overall, it was a splendid 2 roundtrips. The weather definitely made it fun. The rest of my photos can be found here: www.photobucket.com/esquimalt_queen_cc
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Post by DENelson83 on Nov 23, 2008 20:47:20 GMT -8
Wow, Esquimalt Queen, you sort of look like "Rogue" from the X-Men in those shots.
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Post by Esquimalt Queen on Nov 23, 2008 20:56:11 GMT -8
Shhh, don't let everyone know my secret identity!! sheesh.
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Post by Northern Exploration on Nov 24, 2008 7:17:00 GMT -8
The Queen's pics (thanks by the way they are great) give me an idea for another money maker for BC Ferries. Since there is a wind tunnel when footies board, I have an idea for BC Ferries to use it to their advantage. They should have an onboard salon and offer hair fixups . Park the person in one of the massage chairs and do a little hair restyle for $20. |
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rt1commuter
Chief Steward
JP - Overworked grad student
Posts: 167
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Post by rt1commuter on Nov 24, 2008 10:45:33 GMT -8
Hah, Cathy and I were the first footies aboard. We just wandered on via the car deck after the ribbon cutting. No one gave us any trouble, and we explored the empty ferry for a good 40 minutes before they let anyone else aboard, and got a short tour of the bridge  . We were also the first people to buy anything at the Cafeteria (Crunch Burger with yam fries for me, a coffee for Cathy). The crossing was fantastic, though I found the ship felt a little bit cramped. I think the buffet takes up way too much space. The Coastals without the buffet seem a lot more roomy. I'd hate to be on her on a sold-out sailing. |
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 24, 2008 10:49:45 GMT -8
That is becuase it is route 1 which no matter which ship you are on always feels cramped. I find the Spirits can be cramped too if they are full.
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) 
. We were also the first people to buy anything at the Cafeteria (Crunch Burger with yam fries for me, a coffee for Cathy).