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Hornblower Hybrid Visits Port of San Diego

Monday, 23 November 2009
Contact: Dale Frost (619) 686-6222

The first hybrid ferry in the United States has blown into the Port of San Diego for a visit. The 64-foot-long boat, Hornblower Hybrid, which is based in San Francisco, was built and designed by Hornblower Cruises and Events.

Like swirling clouds, two 10-foot-high wind turbines turn in the wind atop the sleek hybrid to help power the vessel.

A combination of solar panels, wind turbines and fuel-efficient diesel engines provide power to operate the vessel. Fuel consumption is less than one-third of a traditional boat its size.

Hornblower Hybrid will be in San Diego through mid-January, and is docked at the Grape Street Pier. It is available for private charter and can carry 149 passengers.

“Hornblower Cruises is in a unique position to show guests coming aboard what can be done to make our planet a cleaner place to live,” said Hornblower San Diego Vice President Jim Unger.

A wedding and reception for 100 people was recently held aboard Hornblower Hybrid as it cruised San Diego Bay. The bride and groom liked the idea of having a wedding aboard a boat that promotes environmental sustainability.

“People want to incorporate environmental sustainability within their lifestyle,” said Unger.

While aboard a Hornblower Hybrid charter cruise, visitors can see first-hand the capabilities of solar and wind power. They can even help provide power by boarding an exercise bicycle and pedaling to power the overhead LED lights.

"The Hornblower Hybrid is an excellent example of Hornblower's leadership of environmental issues," said David Merk, director of the Port's Environmental Services Department. "A lot of thought went into the design of a vessel that has the smallest environmental footprint. In addition to solar and wind as energy sources, they've used recycled products in construction, LED light sources and non-toxic hull paints. There are two more on the way and we're hopeful that the fourth will be here in San Diego."

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Those wishing to cruise the bay aboard Hornblower Hybrid can select from a series of cruises offered during the month of December. The two-hour bay cruises are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m on Saturdays, with boarding at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children. The happy hour cruises are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m, with boarding at 4:30 p.m., on December 4, 12 and 17. Cost is $40 for adults and $35 for children.

Hornblower Hybrid will participate in the Parade of Lights on December 13 and 20. Tickets to ride aboard the vessel during the parade are $69 for adults and $49 for children. Boarding time is at 4 p.m., with the cruise from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more cruise information, please visit Hornblower.com.

After San Diego, the ferry heads to Newport Beach. Hornblower Hybrid will return to San Francisco where it serves as a ferry for passengers visiting Alcatraz Island.

Hornblower intends on locating at least one hybrid in New York, where it operates the franchise for Statue of Liberty tours. The company also plans to eventually base a hybrid boat in San Diego.

Hornblower Cruises and Events operates over 50 vessels and has offered charter yacht and public dining cruises in coastal cities in the United States for more than 29 years. The company offers daily cruises on San Diego Bay and private charter events from vessels departing from the North Embarcadero.