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We received an email asking the following:
"How long have ferries been running from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands. Were there ferries back in 1965 or 1967? A group of us was stationed in Puerto Rico in the Marines in 1965-67 and some of us say there were ferries to St Thomas back then and others in our group say that there were no ferries, so maybe you could help us out. Thanks very much."
Anyone remember?
--Islander
I remember the Jenny and the Jenny II, but as to when exactly, I have to sleep on it!
From Page 14 of a September 2003 report on Classic Fast Ferries: www.classicfastferries.com/cff/pdf/cff_2003_6.pdf
"Sun Arrow was completed by Rodriquez in 1968 and originally shipped to the West Indies; hence its non-Italian name. Leased and later acquired by Golden Arrow Hydrofoil Company, the PT.50 entered service between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas and Tortola in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands respectively in January 1969.
The service came to a premature halt the following year when during a crossing from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas the vessel was run aground, resulting in foil misalignment. It was decided to ship Sun Arrow back to Messina for adjustment, but, to make matters worse, in the loading process in San Juan, Puerto Rico the hydrofoil was dropped from the crane, further damaging the vessel. The PT.50 was subsequently purchased back by Rodriquez and following repairs entered service with Aliscafi SNAV keeping its name.
A fire in the lower forward saloon, reportedly caused by a short circuit, put an end to the hydrofoil's career as it was moored in Messina harbor for the night some time ago."
Here's real ferry trivia for ya;
What was the name of the Jost Van Dyke ferry named in a Van Morrison song?
I'll buy the winner a painkiller at the soggy.
Moondance?
When?
Not sure about the 60s but in the late 70s early eighties the ferry was called When
I said that is strange name and ask about it - the reply I got was you do not "when" it will bring you
and you do not "when" it will pick you up...
So my guess is still When
A blue rust bucket
I am looking for the picture of the boat, but no luck yet
TomB you win!
Send me a bill from the Soggy Dollar
Now who was the Brown Eyed Girl???
The racy song Brown Skin Girl with a few lyric changes became - Brown Eye Girl was written for a young lady he had an affair with.
To my knowledge she has never been named, but if it was I think she would be Jamaican.
So did I win a second round?
Thanks for the feedback.
--Islander
