Local and state dignitaries will converge on the Monmouth County waterfront to take part in the official unveiling and christening of the M/V SeaStreak New Jersey. The new 141-ft., 400-passenger high speed catamaran will provide daily commuter ferry service from Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, New Jersey to Pier 11 (Wall Street)
and East 34th St. in Manhattan. The christening ceremony will be held on Monday, December 10, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina, Pier 6 in Atlantic Highlands.
Honoring an ancient tradition and officially naming the vessel will be its Godmother, Miss New Jersey Julie Barber. Among those participating in the ceremony will be a representative of the Coast Guard Reverend Peter Larom of the Seaman's Church in Manhattan. The mayors of Atlantic Highlands,
Highlands and South Amboy have also been invited to participate in the festivities.
Geoffrey Ede, managing director of Hoverspeed, says, "SeaStreak New Jersey and its sister
ship SeaStreak New York are the fastest diesel powered fast ferries in the New York Harbor with service speeds of approximately 45 miles per hour. Our outstanding commuter service into New York will play an important role in the lives of many New Jerseyeans who travel into Manhattan every day. The 35-minute ride on the SeaStreak New Jersey will help to ease the commuter crunch for many Central New Jersey residents. We are also
looking forward to the opening of the nearby South Amboy Ferry Landing, which will make commuting from the heart of Middlesex County to Manhattan convenient, comfortable and affordable."
The M/V SeaStreak New Jersey offers a peaceful and comfortable commute. It features indoor and outdoor seating with a full bar with soft drinks, spirits and snacks, satellite television, several restrooms and automatic doors.
Like its sister ships, this new craft will also offer sightseeing cruises and special events including ticket packages for Mets and Yankees games, Summer Sunset cruises, and seasonal festivities.