February 2007, exactly 10 years ago was the last time I sailed on the Islander..
Even though not sleek or graceful, for 57 years the Islander brought her own special beauty to the waters surrounding the Vineyard. The Islander will continue to exist through paintings, photographs and in the memories of those who loved her.
Early morning …
The beloved ferry the Islander plied the waters between Woods Hole and Martha’s Vineyard for 57 years before retiring in the winter of 2007. There was just something about this tub of a boat that endeared her to all who sailed on her… she wasn’t a great beauty but she had a regalness about her.
Her blue plastic outdoor seats certainly weren’t known for their comfort, but comfort wasn’t necessarily what one was after for the 45 minute sail from America to the Vineyard, which was more of a transition from the everyday to the magicalness awaiting you. The Vineyard is many things to many people and in many hearts the Islander was the emotional connection.
I don’t know if any songs have been written about her but I do know that one in particular was written on her. Carly Simon was on the Islander late one night on her way home to the Vineyard when she penned her song “Never Been Gone.” Her words come to mind every time I go back to MV.
MV Obsession 
February 7, 2017 at 6:20 pm
Very cool memory, Joan! You have some great photos with which to remember! I remember being 4 years old taking the ferry across San Diego harbor to Coronado Island (before the bridge). That same ferry turned up years later in the Sacramento River Delta, 500 miles north, sort of abandoned and half-sunk. Hope the Islander did not endure a similar fate!
February 7, 2017 at 6:24 pm
Thank you Terri. The Islander met a sad ending, eventually was sold for scrap and that was the end of her. She sat in the Brooklyn Navy Yard for years and rusted away. I only wish I had more pictures of her 🙂
February 8, 2017 at 7:26 am
Love this post! Loved that boat! I did not know her demise was so sad. Ugh.
February 8, 2017 at 8:26 am
I know. 😦
February 10, 2017 at 10:18 pm
Reblogged this on From the Seasonally Occupied Territories . . . and commented:
Sleek? Graceful? Who needs it? (And does anyone think the Island Home is either?) She was sturdy, stolid, and reliable. I still think of her as the Dyke of the Fleet. My people. Ken Vincent did a painting of a crew member standing near one of the doors on the top deck. It was night and the light was eerie and wonderful. I’m pretty sure I saw it at an Islander celebration at the Granary Gallery. I still wish I’d had the money to buy it.