FRS Clipper launches new whale watching cat Emerald Clipper

Emerald Clipper.[Photo: FRS Clipper]

Seattle-headquartered ferry and excursion vessel operator FRS Clipper Inc. reports that Emerald Clipper, the new state-of-the-art whale watching catamaran that it ordered last year, was launched into the water, March 10,

The 103-foot catamaran features two expansive, wind-protected viewing decks, floor-to-ceiling windows, and cruising speeds of up to 32 knots.

Designed by One2Three Naval Architects in Sydney, Australia, and built by Mavrik Marine Inc. in La Conner, Wash., the vessel combines advanced design with passenger comfort and efficiency.

Emerald Clipper will replace the company’s current whale watching vessel, the San Juan Clipper.

Vessels constructed at Mavrik Marine are launched at the Port of Skagit in La Conner, Wash. The vessel was transported from Mavrik’s facility to the launch site on La Conner Channel by a self-propelled hydraulic dolly system.

Once rigged to a stationary heavy lift crane and a crawler crane, the vessel was lifted and walked to the shoreline where the cranes swung the vessel over the channel and lowered it into the water.

After being secured to two tugs the Emerald Clipper was towed to the marina dock where Mavrik completed the commissioning checklist before commencing sea trials prior to delivery to FRS Clipper.

FRS Clipper’s Only Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tour will begin operating in May.