Year-long celebration features new whale watching vessel, local partnerships, and signature events
SEATTLE, WA, March 31, 2026 –FRS Clipper is celebrating 40 years of connecting Seattle and Victoria with a year-long lineup of new experiences and partnerships. A centerpiece of the anniversary year is the introduction of Emerald Clipper, a new high-speed catamaran dedicated to whale watching.
FRS Clipper sold 95% or more of its seats on most of its summer whale watching tours in 2025. The new vessel will double passenger capacity ahead of the 2026 summer season, addressing growing demand driven by major sporting events and increased cruise ship traffic.
Emerald Clipper will launch May 1 and operate as a dedicated whale watching vessel, expanding access to the iconic wildlife encounters that define summer in the Salish Sea. The vessel also offers future flexibility to support cross-border service between Seattle and Victoria.
Founded in 1986, Clipper Navigation, Inc. (doing business as FRS Clipper) has welcomed more than eight million guests over four decades. Throughout its history, the company has remained committed to safety, convenience, and premium coastal travel experiences.
In 2026, guests can join the celebration through a series of signature experiences:
- Celebrate 1986 with 95.7 The Jet (May 2): Step back into the ’80s as Jodi and Bender from 95.7 The Jet bring their high-energy morning show to the water. Inspired by today’s resurgence of 80s nostalgia, this throwback experience invites guests to relive the era when Clipper first launched. Join them on the upper deck for iconic tracks, retro fun, and their hit game Puget Sound Showdown.
- Funnest Summer Ever Deal: Guests who book a 2026 Seattle-Victoria getaway aboard the Clipper V by May 31 will receive 40% off an Emerald Clipper whale watching tour, offering even more fun on the Salish Sea.
- 40th Anniversary Clipper Cup Pickleball Tournament (August 29–30): Celebrate one of the Pacific Northwest’s fastest-growing sports with a weekend tournament in Victoria, BC. Participants will compete for travel prizes, trophies, and bragging rights in a sport with roots on nearby Bainbridge Island.
“Reaching 40 years is an incredible milestone for FRS Clipper, and reflects the employees, partners, customers, and communities who have supported us along the way,” said Mark Collins, CEO of FRS Clipper. “As we celebrate, we are honoring our history while also looking ahead to the future, investing in new experiences like Emerald Clipper and deepening our connections to Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea, which we are proud to call home.”
A key part of the anniversary is a curated lineup of on board partnerships showcasing the flavors and craftsmanship of Vancouver Island:
- Merridale Cidery & Distillery: This woman-led Cowichan Valley destination brings a taste of the Island on board with a special anniversary edition of Cowichan Dry, crafted from bio-certified apples grown on-site.
- Silk Road Tea: This Victoria-based tea company has created a limited-edition Anniversary Blend featuring organic black tea, rose petals, jasmine blossoms, and a hint of green tea—an elegant nod to historic tea voyages aboard Clipper ships.
- Whistle Buoy Brewing Company: This independent brewery from Victoria’s Market Square has partnered with FRS Clipper to create a special edition of its Coastality Pale Ale, an easy-drinking brew inspired by the coastal journey and the shared craft beer culture of Victoria and Seattle.
Additional details about anniversary experiences and offerings are available at frs-clipper.com.
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About FRS Clipper
Since 1986, Clipper Navigation, Inc. has provided transportation and tours to more than eight million travelers. FRS Clipper is part of the FRS Group, based in Flensburg, Germany. Over 150 years, FRS has grown from a regional passenger operator into an international company with more than 1,500 employees. Today, FRS operates 66 vessels worldwide, with four more under construction, and maintains 14 subsidiaries across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.
About Emerald Clipper
The 103-foot Emerald Clipper is a state-of-the-art catamaran designed for comfort and performance. It features two sheltered outdoor decks and floor-to-ceiling windows for exceptional wildlife viewing. On board amenities include a galley serving hot meals and a dedicated naturalist station, where guests can learn about the region’s marine life. The vessel was designed by One2Three Naval Architects in Sydney, Australia, and built by Mavrik Marine, Inc. in La Conner, Washington. It replaces the company’s previous whale watching vessel, the MV San Juan Clipper.
About Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Located in the Cowichan Valley, Merridale has been a cornerstone of Vancouver Island tourism for nearly four decades. The 20-acre, bio-certified farm in Cobble Hill produces traditional ciders using apples grown on-site. Guests can enjoy tastings, tours, and farm-to-table dining, each designed to reflect a slower, more intentional pace of Island life.
About Silk Road Tea
Founded in 1992 in Victoria’s historic Chinatown, Silk Road Tea is an award-winning purveyor of organic teas and botanicals. The company sources premium ingredients globally and blends them locally to create fresh, natural products, offering guests an immersive tea experience through its retail store, tasting bar, and spa.
About Whistle Buoy Brewing Company
Founded in 2019, Whistle Buoy Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery located in Victoria’s historic Market Square. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and small-batch beers, the brewery draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Vancouver Island and the energy of downtown Victoria, creating a distinctly West Coast experience.
DJs Jodi Brothers and Bender Cunningham from 95.7 The Jet pose in front of the Victoria Clipper.
FRS Clipper 40th Anniversary offerings on board include an exclusive Silk Road tea blend, Whistle Buoy Beer, and Merridale Cider.
