Grand Manan ferry makes its maiden run

Official welcoming celebrations for the new Grand Manan Adventure ferry were held on August 11 at both of her new ports of call, Blacks Harbour and North Head.
New Brunswick Premier David Alward, Lt. Governor Graydon Nicholas and many provincial cabinet ministers joined Grand Manan officials and guests for a 10 a.m. ceremony at Blacks Harbour.
"There are going to be about 100 people from Grand Manan leaving North Head in the morning to meet the dignitaries and guests on the mainland," reported Grand Manan Chief Administrative Officer Rob MacPherson on August 10. "After some speeches, the ferry will make its maiden voyage at 11 a.m., and there should be over 200 people on board."
When the new $65 million ferry arrived at Grand Manan around 12:30 p.m., there was a ceremony at North Head, and the Grand Manan Adventure was open for tours until 2:30 p.m. when "she goes to work."
The ferry's first commercial run was to be at 3:30 p.m. on August 11, followed by two more that day.
"Then Grand Manan becomes her homeport, and the Grand Manan V is in Blacks Harbour," says MacPherson. The Grand Manan Adventure will make four runs a day, leaving North Head at 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
"There's lots of anticipation on the island for the new ferry," added MacPherson. "Everything we've heard has been very positive, from the quality of workmanship to the amenities on board."
Built in Panama City, Fla., the Grand Manan Adventure is certified to carry 380 passengers and 82 vehicles, and is 30% larger than the Grand Manan V. The $65 million vessel had left Florida for Grand Manan on July 20, and after its arrival a number of days were spent on training and inspection.