New Vancouver-Nanaimo ferry service cancels inaugural sailings due to wind, power outage

There was no smooth sailingfor the launch of anew ferry service across the Salish Sea on Monday.

The inaugural sailings of Hullo, the new foot-passenger service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, were cancelleddue to weather and power issuesaccording to its operator, the Vancouver Island Ferry Company.

While some late afternoon sailings initially remained on Hullo's schedule,an update posted at 3:05 p.m. PT Monday confirmed none of the sailings scheduled for Monday would go ahead.

Hullochief executive officerAlastair Caddicktold CBCon Monday morning that a power outage inNanaimo on Sunday night affected the berth andvessels and that it was crucial for the company to runan impact assessment across all systems to make sure it was safe to sail.

"We made the right decision, although it's a difficult decision," said Caddick.

WATCH | Safety paramount, says Hullo co-founder of weather cancellation:

Mother nature thwarts inaugural sailing for new B.C. ferry company

1 year ago

Duration 1:25

Co-founder Rupesh Amin explains why Hullo Ferries passengers were stuck on the first day of service.

Environment Canada has issued an alert concerning high winds for Vancouver Island. Thatalertsays winds could reach up to 30 knots (55 km/h)south of Nanaimo on Monday and could continue until Tuesday.

Caddickadded thatthe company was taking a "deliberately conservative approach" when it came to running sailings.

Travellers can learn the status of theirsailing by visitinghullo.com for up-to-date information.Caddick said Hullo willprovide full refunds to passengers who had their Monday sailings cancelled.

Hullo customerScott Neiswas excited about the prospect of riding on the maiden voyageto Vancouver from Nanaimo and had rented a boat and car on the Lower Mainland to make the most of the summer day.

"We are slightly disappointed, but nobody can control the wind," said Neis.

Despite the rocky first day, Neis is still optimistic about the new service.

"It's been something that is needed for a long time I'mlooking forward to when they can get sailing," he said, adding Monday was not a total loss because he could still enjoy a day off work.

Hullo was set up as an alternative crossing option to B.C. Ferries or float plane, with a fleet oftwo high-speed catamaran vesselseach able to carry 354 passengers.The trip between Nanaimo and Vancouver isestimated to take 70 minutes.

Several private operators have previously attempted but ultimately failed to keep a passenger-only ferry servicebetween Nanaimo and Vancouver afloat.

Key issues have been debris on the sailing route and low passenger uptake. The B.C. Ferries route goes from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Departure Bay in central Nanaimo.