casailor53 said:
While I agree about a modern, efficient, well-run ferry system vs an improved, jet-capable EIS, I don't recall those Russian hydrofoils exactly working out in the late 90s! And I think that the potential seas would make for some pretty crappy and/or canceled trips between San Juan and the BVI or the BVI and Sint Maarten in the winter months.
With all due respect, this is not the 1990's. Hydrofoils have improved tremendously since then. The fact that they literally fly
over the water, means that they are able to handle heavy weather conditions much more easily than a traditional boat and when a traditional boat could not even consider operating, a hydrofoil can.
See:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ2sSRBMPqsThere are many hydrofoil ferries operating all over the world these days. Do a little research and I think you may be surprised at just how popular they are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c-vh2b8hUUIn my opinion, alternative solutions should not be dismissed quite so off-handedly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVm8XrTfqLMThe government is going to be investing upwards of 150 million dollars (and very likely a lot more) in the new airport. Bad weather impacts airplanes as well as ferries.
All I am saying is that with a significant investment in a new ferry system, the BVI would be
[color:"red"]guaranteed[/color] to benefit. The same investment in an extended airport runway is NOT a guarantee of anything. We will still be at the mercy of the various airlines.
