Mahon About Town Nantucket Blog

We have a new fast ferry. The christening of the Iyanough took place here last Saturday. Rev. Georgia Snell harked back to christening ceremonies of times past, ceremonies involving sacrificial virgins, urine, and other arcane rituals. Attempting to prevent a round of negative nicknames for the Iyanough, Nantucket SSA rep Flint Ranney said what the boat should NOT be called: “I don’t know, I don’t want to go, I won’t go”. Someone will no doubt come up with something Flint hadn’t thought of. The boat was officially christened by Libby Gison, Town Administrator, and Susan O’Brien, wife of the Barnstable rep. Former Nantucket Selectman Arthur Desrocher was there, as was State Representative Eric Turkington.

The 154 foot, $9 million dollar Iyanough has four engines, compared to the two-engine Flying Cloud. It has 347 seats on 2 decks, with 46 exterior seats, with free wireless internet. Those who came over on the ferrry said it was faster, quieter, and with less vibration.

For many more photos, go to Mahon About Town.