The following is being distributed at the request of Marine Atlantic:

Cabot wordmark adorns Gulf ferries

Marine Atlantic's two superferries have nearly completed their preparations for the Cabot 500 summer, and both will be in service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques as of Sunday, June 1.

MV Caribou and MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood will be proudly displaying the Cabot wordmark in five meter-high letters on their port and starboard sides. Gerald Rogers of Marine Atlantic's maintenance staff in Port aux Basques will put the finishing touches on the Smallwood's superstructure this weekend.

"Gerald is doing an excellent job and everyone is quite thrilled about the product," says Peter McInnis, manager of the gulf service.

The logo emblazoned on the side of the vessels is one of many special touches displayed throughout Marine Atlantic terminals and vessels for the summer celebrations, says McInnis. Other features include 15th century dress for staff and period decor in the lounges.

The wordmark signifies both Marine Atlantic's key role in bringing visitors to the celebrations and the company's sponsorship of the Matthew voyage.

By June 20, the entire Newfoundland and Labrador fleet will be wearing the Cabot wordmark. That date marks the opening of the seasonal Argentia service, a few days prior to the Matthew's arrival at Bonavista.

The summer schedule runs until August 31, and will offer 15 round trips weekly between North Sydney and Port aux Basques, and three per week to Argentia.

Contact: Jill Curran, Public Relations, (709) 772-5731.