PORT TOWNSEND — The Chilkat Express fast foot ferry has zoomed between Seattle and Port Townsend several times this week, but today marks the first time it will carry passengers.
Chilkat Cruises and Tours President Bill Fletcher said a handful of people will probably be aboard the 63-passenger, foil-assisted jet catamaran when it departs at 3:30 p.m. from the Boat Haven Marina fuel dock at the Port of Port Townsend.
But he expects an advertising campaign and word-of-mouth to quickly bring more people dockside to enjoy the one-hour crossing to Seattle.
“There’s a considerable amount of interest and enthusiasm and we hope that translates into business,” Fletcher said. “We’re committed to running through March of next year and if it looks promising, we’re set up for the future.
“I think once we get the word out and people hear it by word-of-mouth from their friends, we’ll see the business.”
The Chilkat Express can cruise at 40 knots, making the crossing time less than an hour, Fletcher said. The boat leaves at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The return trip leaves Seattle at 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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