45 MAY 2026 PHOTOS: FRS CLIPPER E merald Clipper, FRS Clipper’s new 103ʹ state-of-the-art whale watching catamaran, was launched with a naming ceremony in April. Designed to give guests better viewing opportunities, more comfort, and an unforgettable on- the-water experience, this will be the only wildlife and whale watching tour to depart directly from Seattle. FRS Clipper commissioned the ves- sel’s owner, CNI Newco, to have the Emerald Clipper built by fellow PVA member Mavrik Marine, Inc. in La Conner, Wash. Emerald Clipper has more capacity than its predecessor and will welcome up to 300 guests allowing more vis- itors to learn about the wildlife and environment of the Salish Sea. With a cruising speed over 32 knots, it’ll reach the viewing locations more quickly making two sailings per day possible. The vessel features two sheltered outdoor decks and floor-to-ceiling windows in the heated cabin. Ameni- ties include a galley serving hot meals, as well as a naturalist station where guests can deepen their understand- ing of the region’s marine life. Daily tours began May 1. Emerald Clipper offers improvements from the previous vessel, San Juan Clipper, and is low wake at high speed. The vessel is over 50 percent more fuel efficient than San Juan Clipper at the same speed (24 knots) and can cruise at a faster speed still operating almost 40 percent more efficiently on fuel. The ceremony speakers included ex- ecutives from FRS Clipper, the ship owner of Emerald Clipper, and leaders from the Suquamish Tribal Council. In the long-honored naval tradition of blessing a new vessel launch with a naming ceremony by the ship’s god- mother, Jo Mihok, a long-time Clip- per employee, broke a bottle against the hull to christen the vessel. Emerald Clipper arrives as the center- piece of FRS Clipper’s 40th anniver- sary of connecting Seattle and Victoria through their fast ferry service. Found- ed in 1986, the operation has welcomed more than eight million guests over four decades. As part of the anniver- sary celebrations, this year guests can enjoy a lineup of new experiences and partnerships offered by FRS Clipper. MEMBER NEWS FRS Clipper Celebrates the Launch of the Emerald Clipper and 40th Anniversary MEMBER NEWS FRS Clipper launched the new Emerald Clipper with a naming ceremony and christening in April, kicking off celebrations of the operation’s 40th Anniversary.
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