06/21/2008: "SJC Ferry Advisory Committee News Release"

For the first two weeks of the Summer Schedule commencing on June 22 and continuing though July 6, the 90-car Sealth will operate in the San Juans as a mainland boat until the 144-car Kaleetan arrives on July 7.

The effect will be to reduce daily ferry capacity by roughly 200 spaces during the week days and by 300 spaces on the weekend days.

The assignment of the Sealth to the San Juans for two weeks reflects Washington State Ferries’ critical lack of available boats following the retirement of the Steel Electric Class ferries and during its on-going drydock and maintenance programs.

Westbound from Anacortes, the Sealth will operate on the following sailings during peak hours on weekdays:

• 10:05 a.m. to Lopez, Shaw and Orcas
• 5:05 p.m. to Lopez and Friday Harbor
• 8:05 p.m. to Friday Harbor

Eastbound to Anacortes, the Sealth will operate on the following sailings during peak hours on weekdays:

• 8:10 a.m. from Friday Harbor and the 8:55 from Lopez
• 12:05 p.m. from Orcas and the 12:35 p.m. from Lopez
• 6:55 p.m. from Friday Harbor

Washington State Ferries has agreed during the July 4th holidays to make available free parking at Anacortes to encourage travelers to park-and-ride. They have also stated that a 144-car Super will be available to replace the Sealth on its scheduled 8:25 p.m. departure from Anacortes to Friday Harbor if demand warrants.

Nevertheless, the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee warns that travelers should expect unusual overloads, particularly during the July 4th period. Passengers who would normally take one of the sailings scheduled to be served by the Sealth are strongly encouraged to take an earlier sailing or a later sailing.