The Martha's Vineyard Times

Rhode Island Fast Ferry will add new vessel to Vineyard route

May 23, 2012

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island Fast Ferry

A drawing of the Rhode Island Fast Ferry company's newest vessel, Ava Pearl.

The Rhode Island Fast Ferry announced that it will add a newly constructed $6 million state-of-the art fast ferry, the Ava Pearl, to its Martha's Vineyard route.

The vessel, built at Gladding-Hearn Shipyard in Somerset, will be put into service next month.

"We are excited to be able to provide the latest in fast ferry technology to the visitors of Martha's Vineyard traveling from Quonset Point, Rhode Island, to Oak Bluffs during the busy summer months," president Charles A. Donadio Jr. said. "We will be celebrating our tenth season, and our passengers will truly be benefiting from our success."

The new 150-passenger ferry, designed by Incat Crowther of Australia, will replace the 400-passenger Millennium. Mr. Donadio said Ava Pearl will have the latest in seakeeping technology to enhance passenger comfort.

The cabin will feature a snack bar, two restrooms, and five flat-screen TV monitors. There is a separate luggage area forward and rear, as well as space for bicycles on the aft deck. Outdoor seating is available on aft and forward decks, with the upper deck featuring protected outdoor seating for 44 passengers and additional seating on the exposed aft deck for 40.

Rhode Island Fast Ferry provides service from Quonset Point to Oak Bluffs from late May through October. From Quonset, there are shuttle connections to Amtrak and the Providence Airport.

Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, go to vineyardfastferry.com or call 401-295-4040.