The Mayne Queen Retires from Serving the Southern Gulf Islands

BY MARIANNE SCOTT

THE RESIDENTS OF THE Southern Gulf Islands— Mayne, Saturna, Galiano, and the Penders—have ridden the dependable Mayne Queen ferry for 57 years. The 287.7-foot (84.96 metre) ferry carries up to 58 cars, plus 400 passengers and crew. Travelling at a top speed of 14.5 knots, the ferry has transported more than one islander generation to Vancouver Island for supplies, groceries and medical appointments. The ferry was constructed in 1965 at the Victoria Machinery Depot and has been a lifeline for the four islands’ populations, as well as transport for the tens of thousands of vacationers, hikers and cyclists who visit during the summer for events like the Saturna Lamb Barbecue.

Saturna-resident Senator Pat Carney (retd) told me her mother wrote an article about the Mayne Queen’s maiden voyage more than half a century ago. “As a multigenerational resident of Saturna,” she said, “I’ve sailed this ferry for decades. It’s my favourite ferry, the queen of the entire fleet. Totally reliable. There’ll never be another like her.”

To celebrate her retirement, the Mayne Queen held two days of events during her last runs among the island quartet. On November 19, she travelled the last service with passengers aboard; many islanders rode the ferry for this last voyage, enjoying the beautiful route, communing with crew who’ve become friends and who’ve been devoted to running and maintaining her. The crew reported that sometimes passengers show their appreciation by bringing donuts.

The next day, the ferry made her last round without passengers. At each island dock, the Mayne Queen was greeted by residents who’d gathered to say farewell.

Saturna’s Priscilla Ewbank told me 150 people came to Lyall Harbour to honour the ship and crew. “The Mayne Queen has a heart of her own to inspire such enthusiastic appreciation and faithful following,” she said. “She’s sailed into the rhythm of the individual and collective heart of our communities.” One Saturna choir member had written a farewell song. An eight-foot banner celebrated 57 years of splendid service. Gifts for the crew were delivered and food was so plentiful, it had to be served on the car deck.

Children, dogs, even a baby in a stroller participated in the farewell ceremony.

The Mayne Queen will not be mothballed but will serve as relief vessel when other ferries are out of commission or need drydock upgrades or repairs. According to BC Ferries, the 107-metre Salish Class ferry, the Salish Heron, replaces the Mayne Queen This larger vessel is the fourth such ferry built in Gdansk, Poland. The Salish Heron can transport 138 vehicles and 600 passengers and crew at a maximum speed of 15.5 knots. She will have to prove herself to garner the affection the Mayne Queen earned over the past five-and-a half decades.

FERRIES