Wendella News

Terry MacRae founded Hornblower Yachts, LLC (doing business as Hornblower Cruises & Events) in 1980, and serves as Chief Executive Officer, the President and is also its owner. MacRae is the Co-founder of HMS Global Maritime and the American Queen Steamboat Company, and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Alcatraz Cruises, LLC, Statue Cruises, LLC, Hornblower Canada Co., Hornblower Cable Cars, Inc. and HNY Ferry, LLC (doing business as NYC Ferry). He leads one of the largest and fastest growing charter, dining cruise, and ferry operating companies in the nation.

A coalition of maritime business and industry organizations sent a letter to key Members of Congress on Friday, March 24 urging funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to further support efforts undertaken by the State of Illinois to slow, stop and reverse the migration of Asian carp, an aquatic invasive species, through cost-effective measures. In the letter, the UnLock Our Jobs (UOJ) coalition members review the record of success that the GLRI has had in working with the State of Illinois to develop a range of strategies to control Asian carp…

Burger Boat Company announced the launch of P/V Lucia, an 89-foot steel passenger vessel for Wendella Sightseeing Company, Inc. Lucia, designed by Timothy Graul Marine Design of Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., was launched into the Manitowoc River Friday, May 29 with her owners, the Burger staff and the Manitowoc community in attendance. Lucia is styled after other vessels in Wendella's fleet and will be used for its Combined Lake and River Tour, the Chicago River Architecture Tour, specialty cruises and private events.

I am increasingly concerned about the interaction between commercial vessels and recreational craft on the Chicago River. Even more frequently my operation is encountering people in short-term rental craft such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and small electric boats who know little or nothing about the USCG Navigation Rules and who are not aware of the risks of operating on a narrow channel close to large commercial vessels. This year alone my crew has rescued seven persons in distress…

Burger Boat Company announced that it has received a contract for the construction of an 89-foot (27-meter) steel passenger vessel for Wendella Sightseeing Company, Chicago, Ill. Styled after other vessels in Wendella's fleet, this vessel will be used for their signature Combined Lake and River Tour, the Chicago River Architecture Tour, specialty cruises and private events. The 89-foot (27-meter) steel passenger vessel provides an enclosed, climate controlled main deck cabin where guests will find a striking black granite bar and room for socializing.

Rhode Island’s economic assets include a surprising number of prominent and lesser known maritime firms. A recent media tour hosted by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) highlighted the Ocean State’s key role(s) in the nation’s maritime industry. As the state of Rhode Island – along with everyone else, so it seems – works to revitalize a struggling local economy, it has become increasingly apparent that the marine industry will play a prominent role in that revival. In March, the Ocean State’s marine trade industry opened their doors to national trade media, showcasing the important work being done here in the ocean state.

The 89-ft steel excursion boat, Linnea built by Blount Boats for Wendella Sightseeing Company was completed and accepted on July 20, 2010. The vessel was delivered to Chicago via Erie Canal and began service on July 30th. The delivery for the Linnea is especially timely on account of the fact that Wendella Sightseeing, Chicago’s original tour boat company is celebrating its 75th season as one of the city’s premier sightseeing and tourism venues. The new Linnea was designed by Timothy Graul Marine Design of Sturgeon Bay…

Blount Boats, Inc. has signed a contract with Wendella Sightseeing Company, Inc. to construct an 89 by 30-ft steel excursion vessel. This vessel will be a sister ship to the M/V Wendella (Hull 320) built by the Blount shipyard in 2007. The vessel was designed by Timothy Graul Marine Design and will operate in the Chicago area. The 300 passenger vessel will be powered by twin screw C12 Caterpillar engines, 385hp at 1,800 rpm with ZF gears. Delivery for Hull #330 is scheduled for May 2010 via the Erie Canal in time for the 75th anniversary celebration of Wendella Sightseeing Company. Wendella Sightseeing, Chicago’s original boat tour company has been operating since 1935.

The area directly south of Lafayette, La., is authentic bayou country, known for Cajun culture, excellent food, unique music and, for boat lovers, the crew/supply boat capital of the world. Four boat yards in this area build these multi-engine, all- aluminum, speedy vessels, almost exclusively. Each yard turns out up to six crew/supply boats a year. In fact, three of the shipyards are located within just a few miles from each other in the tiny hamlet of Loreauville, La., a town that seems to be made up mostly of aluminum welders. That, of course, is an exaggeration, but not by much. Not every vessel delivered from these shipyards goes to work supporting the search for oil and gas…

With Rear Admiral Thomas H. Gilmour of the United States Coast Guard looking on, the Passenger Vessel Association named Diana Jones of Wendella the 2003 recipient of the prestigious Roger Murphy National Safety Award. Nearly 500 association members, who were gathered in New Orleans, recognized Ms. Jones for rescuing three people from the Chicago River, in two separate incidents on the same day! On the morning of June 25, 2003 Ms. Jones, along with Captain Michael Mackey were working aboard the RiverBus Alpha when the screams of bystanders alerted them to two men struggling in the Chicago River. Racing to the rescue, Ms. Jones, despite being a biscuit under a hundred pounds, pulled both men to safety and rendered assistance until the arrival of the Chicago Fire Department.

Blount Boats, Inc. has signed a contract with Wendella Sightseeing Company, Inc. to construct an 89 x 30 ft. steel excursion vessel. The vessel was designed by Timothy Graul Marine Design and will operate in the Chicago area. The 300 passenger vessel will be powered by twin screw Caterpillar engines. Delivery for Hull #320 is scheduled for April 2007 via the Erie Canal.