Infrastructure, Housing and Development

Mitigating gridlock via high-speed ferry service & the Morro Bay legacy of the yacht M.V. Mojo

KCBX | By Tom Wilmer

Published May 10, 2017 at 2:12 AM PDT

M.V. Mojo crashed in to a monster wave at the Morro Bay Harbor mouth January 28, 1978 sustaining major damage and injuries

When Terry MacRae was a student at Cal Poly State University back in the early 1970’s he had no clue that the University’s learn by doing model would lead him on a life journey where he would eventually become the CEO of Hornblower Cruises. Considered the greenest fleet in America, Hornblower employs wind and solar technology and operates the largest small passenger-vessel operation in the country.

MacRae shares his passion for the untapped potential of waterborne ferry transportation as a viable commuting option for not only San Francisco Bay but around America.

Terry MacRae at Hornblower Cruises headquarters on Pier 3 San Francisco's Embacadero

Following the interview with MacRae, he mentioned in passing that Hornblower Cruises also owns the luxury yacht M.V. Mojo operating out of Newport Beach, and the vessel’s connection with Morro Bay’s history.

One of the most iconic images associated with Morro Bay is the photo of Hollywood star, George C. Scott’s chartered yacht the 84’ long M.V. Mojo being smashed by a monster wave as it attempted to leave the harbor during a turbulent winter storm, January 28^th 1978.

Ignoring harbor patrol and U.S. Coast Guard’s warnings not to attempt leaving Morro Bay, Scott commanded his skipper to head on out.