Intercontinental Ferry
The Intercontinental Ferry is a ferry service that links the South-East Heartland continents of Probitas and Nous. The service operates across Temperance Sound between Sant Iago in Laudo Deo and The Red City in the independent Spaamanian territory of (Spaamanian) Plijous. Departing from both cities three times daily, 365 days per year, it offers a cheap, though timely, alternative to flying between the two contintents.
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History
For many hundreds of years, there has been trade and commuting between Laudo Deo and Plijous via sea, with Sant Iago and The Red City being the most natural destinations. Of course, before the advent of the engine, the trip could easily take 4 days, even in good weather, and it was not unknown for ships to be blown off course, or even sunk, as the area has been known to suffer tropical hurricanes. However, humans (and other races) were not to be deterred, and the crossing eventually became safer and faster. With the advent of steam in the mid-1800s, the crossing could be done in around 30 hours, and by the beginning of the 20th century, some ships were taking just 16 hours. The Intercontinental Ferry service was first established in 2006, and operated once daily, from each city, five times per week. Two ferries were in service, one owned by each nation, taking around 500 passengers, and making the crossing in around 10 hours. It was still rather costly, and flight was much cheaper per hour, but it catered to the less affluent populace who had time to spare.
Route
The route is approximately 420 nautical miles (780 kilometres), taking an almost straight path across Temperance Sound between The Red City International Port and Sant Iago harbour. Travelling at an average speed of 60 knots (110 kilometres per hour), the trip is usually accomplished in under 8 hours, though delays of up to a couple of hours due to bad weather is not unheard of.
