‘Flying Cloud’ fast ferry sold to Venezuela, once graced the docks of Fairhaven

The Steamship Authority, who operates a maintenance facility at the end of South Street in Fairhaven, recently sold their fast ferry, ‘The Flying Cloud’. The authority sold ‘The Flying Cloud’ to Venezuelan company, Gran Cacique II for $3.9 million. The Steamship Authority bought the vessel for $8 million and operated the bought on the Hyannis Nantucket ferry route from 2000 to 2006. After service problems, The Flying Cloud was replaced in March 2007 by the 393 passenger ferry Iyanough, which the company purchased for $9.7 million. The SSA purchased the Flying Cloud for $8 million in 2000 and took delivery in May. They had hoped to sell it for $5 million according to published reports in 2006. Security tightened for Whaling City FestivalSouthCoast auto dealerships mergeThe buzz is bad at Allen's PondFairhaven police arrest two men in early-morning house break-inRail plan includes three New Bedford stationsJury selection begins for Miranda murder trialWork-crew inmate from New Bedford struck and killed in Mashpee The 300 passenger Flying Cloud had trial clocked speeds of 39 knots, but was plagued with service issues during its tenure with a $1.5 million engine replacement in 2006. The new ferry will potentially provide ferry service to Isla Margarita, Venezuela.