Smith’s Ferry adds new vessel to its fleet
Smith’s Ferry Services has introduced a new vessel, I Legend, increasing its fleet to two.
During a ceremonial launch on Sunday, February 2, Marjorie Smith, President of the company, highlighted that the vessel was named in honor of her father, the late Captain Ira Smith, who founded the company.
I Legend is the second vessel added to the fleet since the company’s relaunch in 2019. It is expected to service the route between the BVI and St. Thomas (USVI) with a seating capacity of 149.
Smith described I Legend as a beacon of hope, symbolizing both the company’s resilience and the expansion of the local ferry industry.
“It is a private business, but we are providing a public service as we maintain connectivity in the Virgin Islands,” she stated.
The family-owned business also announced that Rikky Baynes and Kaheen Farrington, both sons of Smith, will serve as captains of the vessel. Baynes noted that he gained valuable skills while helping construct I Legend in Australia.
Smith emphasized the importance of the ferry industry to the BVI community and reiterated the company’s commitment to rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
She stated that before the storms, the company had approximately six vessels but lost them all in the disasters. Since then, efforts to rebuild have now resulted in two operational vessels.
She also highlighted Bomber Charger, the first vessel added to the fleet following the company’s relaunch in 2019, and the extensive efforts that went into its reconstruction.
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Nice boat. However, in order for it to be successful, M* needs to go. She needs training in CUSTOMER Service.
You are describing about 90% of BVI Customer Service interactions.
Congratulation Marge and Family Looking good.
I WISH THEM THE BEST HOPE THEM KNOW WE HAVE OTHER CHOICES ,GOOD CUSTOMER SETVICE NO RUDNESS TO YOU CUSTOMERS
So no mention of the MAIN captain who brought the boat safely to the BVI.
Tell us then.
this going vg n Anegada? can’t let s****** uncleaned ac take all the glory
Next time big winds are coming, fuel up, and leave on a course perpendicular to the storm track no less than 24 hours before it’s due to hit. At 20 knots, should place boats 500 miles away in maybe 40 knots and some rough seas which properly designed boats should be able to handle. Uncomfortable, for sure, but not as uncomfortable as dealing with insurance claims. Do this instead of all the foolishness in Irma that led to lots of busted ferries and wrecked commercial ships.
Despite the name of this new ferry it would be better to let the old Smith’s ferry name die. 50 years of bad publicity is not helpful in the VI ferry business. Please re brand this ferry and distance your selves from the gone but not forgotten Ira’s ‘Smith’s Ferry’.