Blue Dolphin
A special project of the Ferries of Sydney
| Type : |
Hovercraft |
| Launched : |
1973 |
| Builder : |
Hovermarine Transport Ltd Southampton, England |
| Gross weight : |
20,185 kg |
| Dimensions : |
51.0m x 20.0m |
| Passenger capacity : |
62 |
| Speed : |
35 knots |
Blue Dolphin was the first hovercraft to be operated commercially on Sydney Harbour commencing her career in 1975.
Blue Dolphin was used for a short time on the Gladesville run in an attempt to replace the failed hydrofoil service. Like them, she also was not a success.
She was thne operated as a fast cruise service (this time in opposition to the hydrofoils). Ultimately she was a commercial failure and was eventually sold to Hobart and then later to New Zealand (c 1979) where she was renamed to Wakatere.She was the fourteenth vessel in New Zealand to carry the name and was operating in Auckland until at least 1981.
References indicate that she had been giving trouble from the time she was purchased and was regarded as unreliable due to weather and mechanical problems.