San Diego\u2019s oldest family-owned and operated tour boat and ferry company, Flagship Cruises & Events, founded in 1915, is currently in the process of building two cutting-edge, all-electric, zero-emission ferries. <\/a>But meantime two of its most cherished working vessels have earned national recognition. <\/p>\n The Silvergate<\/em> (built in 1940) and the Cabrillo<\/em> (built in 1960 have been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places<\/a> by the U.S. Department of the Interior. This designation acknowledges the cultural, architectural, and maritime significance of the vessels, which are among San Diego\u2019s last remaining historic ferries still on the water. Both ferries have played an integral role in shaping the region\u2019s identity\u2014from serving local transportation needs to becoming beloved icons of the waterfront experience.<\/p>\n \u201cThese ferries are more than boats; they are living history,\u201d said Brad Engel, president of Flagship Cruises & Events, \u201cThe Silvergate <\/em>and Cabrillo <\/em>have carried millions of passengers across San Diego Bay and have stood as constant witnesses to the city\u2019s growth and transformation. We are honored to see their legacies recognized at the national level.\u201d<\/p>\n The Silvergate,<\/em> built in 1940, served the historic commute between San Diego and Coronado, mainly to accommodate the increased passenger load to Naval Station North Island during war times. After the completion of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge in 1969, ending of an era for the ferry as the primary mode of transportation between the two locations. Silvergate then expanded into harbor excursions and educational programming while ferry service was banned within a 10-mile radius of a toll crossing.<\/p>\n The Silvergate<\/em> resumed ferry service in 1987 after construction bonds for the bridge construction were paid off and is being recognized by the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A as a significant historical resource for its association with maritime transportation during World War II and in the post-war years as part of San Diego\u2019s maritime recreation sector.<\/p>\n Known for its distinctive silhouette and warm wood detailing, the ferry remains a cherished presence on the bay.<\/p>\n The Cabrillo,<\/em> designed and constructed in 1964, is a testament to the craftsmanship and maritime tradition of the Star & Crescent Boat Company. Designed by renowned naval architect Oakley J. Hall, the vessel was built specifically for passenger service on San Diego Bay and continues to operate today with much of its original charm preserved. The Cabrillo<\/em> ferry, operated historically as an excursion vessel during the post-war maritime recreation boom in San Diego and is historically recognized under National Register Criterion A, with a period of significance of 1964-1968. Cabrillo <\/em>is also recognized under National Register Criterion B, for associated significance with the life of its designer and builder, Oakley J. Hall, established by the San Diego Historical Resources Board as a locally significant individual.<\/p>\n The National Register of Historic Places is the federal government\u2019s official list of historic buildings, districts, objects, and sites deemed worthy of preservation. This designation supports continued preservation efforts and ensures these vessels remain active and accessible for future generations.<\/p>\n In a statement from Coronado Historical Association, Vickie Stone, curator of collections, said, \u201cThese vessels represent an irreplaceable part of our maritime heritage, serving as reminders of an era when ferries were the primary way of connecting people, commerce, and culture across San Diego Bay. The preservation of these two ferries will ensure that future generations can appreciate the craftsmanship, innovation, and civic importance that these boats embody.\u201d<\/p>\n The post Two iconic Flagship Cruises ferries gain national recognition<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Flagship](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marinelog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Flagship-Cabrillo-Ferry.jpg?resize=700%2C525&ssl=1\")