Why are there so many weather cancellations with the new ferry Chetzemoka?
• The Chetzemoka has only been in service for a little more than two weeks. The Captains and crews are still learning the operational characteristics of the new vessel and how it operates in various sea/wind conditions on the most challenging route in the ferry system. • The Steel Electric vessels served the Port Townsend/Coupeville route from the early 1980s through 2007, providing about 25 years of experience to Captains and crews operating those vessels on the route. • The Chetzemoka entered service during the time of year when weather and tides are the most severe. • The Chetzemoka missed 10 round trips from Nov. 15 through Nov. 29. • From Nov. 15-17 – the Chetzemoka’s first three days of service – four round trips were cancelled on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route due to severe weather and high winds. The severe weather conditions resulted in delays and cancelled sailings throughout the system, from Point Defiance/Tahlequah to the San Juan Islands. • There are three permanent as
