Cruising Nova Scotia just go more difficult

[Roger Long]

The CAT ferry is dead, both Portland and Bar Harbor routes.

I can't tell you what a bummer this is for those of us who planned to spend all next summer cruising along the coast of Nova Scotia with various guests coming and going for different legs. Have you ever tried to drive from Portland to Halifax, NS? It's like driving to Cleavland by going across the middle of Vermont, NH, and New York. Ain't gonna happen. Airfare is expensive and then you don't have a car when you get there.

I'm going to be doing a lot more single handing than I planned on

 

[Maine Sail]

The CAT ferry is dead, both Portland and Bar Harbor routes.

This sucks!!! I know Canada pumped in well over a million dollars last season to prop it up but I guess with the cost of fuel it still was not enough..? Anyone want to buy a really fast car ferry?

 

[higgs]

Ferry Lines seem to have a tough go in areas that are not population centers. Used to be one on L Ontario, but it is gone. The Badger on L Michigan does not make a lot of money.

 

[Moody Buccaneer]

This sucks!!! I know Canada pumped in well over a million dollars last season to prop it up but I guess with the cost of fuel it still was not enough..? Anyone want to buy a really fast car ferry?

I agree ... this sucks ... but does it increase the value of my "The Cat" t-shirt on eBay?

I got to ride the Cat only once and it was at night. I really wanted to have a chance to make a daytime crossing.

Are they killing the route or just taking the fast Cat out of service?

 

[sinnettc]

Wow. That's really going to hurt in Bar Harbor and I'm sure things are already tight there with the economy the way it is. Tourism is certainly down on the Oregon coast anyway.

My only experience with the Cat was keeping an eye out for it when Dad & I sailed from Bass Harbor up to Jonesport. He was of the opinion that they'd just assume run us over as slow down.

 

[All U Get]

Some of my most amusing sailing adventures involved the Cat. Nova Scotia was on the list of trips knowing that if we needed to return quickly we could jump on the Cat and Downeaster and be home in hours instead of days. This surely changes the comfort zone.
All U Get

 

[Tim R.]

I am currently working in Bar Harbor. I will see what the locals have to say on Monday.

 

[Randy Burns]

Maine Public Radio said the Canadian gov pumped 4 million in to it in 08 and another 12 million in 09. Its suprising we didn't see this coming.

 

[shorty]

There's been mutterings for a year or so. Ever since gas went to $4+ & when it came down the economy tanked.