State Ferries ramps up summer service

The Washington State Ferries summer 2015 sailing schedule takes effect Sunday, June 14, with highlights that include more sailings, a new Olympic Class vessel, vehicle reservations to the San Juan Islands and increased service hours on many routes.

This summer, customers can get ahead of the weekend-getaway crowds by making a vehicle reservation to and from the San Juan Islands. WSF releases reservations two weeks before, and then two days before each sailing departs. Reservations also are available on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route and for international sailings between Anacortes and Sidney, British Columbia.

Other changes to the summer 2015 sailing schedule:
• Anacortes/San Juan Islands: WSF added a fifth vessel, the new Olympic Class Samish, for more sailings. Changes to the schedule allow for better connections to Anacortes and Friday Harbor during commute hours.
• Anacortes/Sidney, B.C.: WSF added a second daily trip to the route.
• Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: WSF added extra weekend service between Fauntleroy, Vashon and Southworth. General sailing adjustments range from 5-10 minutes.
• Port Townsend/Coupeville: WSF continues its two-boat service through Oct. 12.
• Mukilteo/Clinton: WSF added late night sailings Thursdays through Sundays, as well as an early morning Saturday sailing.
• Point Defiance/Tahlequah: WSF added a midday sailing on Fridays due to Vashon terminal construction.

Vashon terminal construction impacts
Construction begins mid-summer to bring the entire Vashon ferry dock up to current seismic, mechanical and electrical codes by retrofitting the existing facility. WSF will work to minimize impacts to customers. However starting Sunday, June 14, the following operational changes will occur for Southworth-bound oversized vehicles traveling from Fauntleroy and Vashon:
• From Vashon to Southworth, vehicles more than 38 feet long will be limited to six designated sailings per day.
• From Fauntleroy to Southworth, vehicles more than 7 feet tall or more than 22 feet long will be able to travel on all but six designated sailings per day.