PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEPLER’S FERRY
Shelpler’s Mackinac Island Ferry welcomes the newest member of its fleet, the William Richard, named for the Shepler patriarch William (Bill) Shepler. The ferry made its maiden voyage on Friday, October 9.
The new jet-driven vessel cost $4 million to build. “We have waited so long for this state-of-the-art vessel to make her way into the water,” Chris Shepler says. “As soon as she passed all trials and inspections, we were ready to put her into service, serving the community of Mackinac Island.”
During the ferry’s debut, Bill Shepler was presented with a bottle of champagne to be used at the official christening of the vessel, prior to its 2021 season launch. Shepler extended his appreciation to everyone who helped build and launch the William Richard.
The ferry will be making daily departures across the straits of Mackinac now through the end of 2020. To learn more, visit sheplersferry.com.
