To put it mildly life on the West Coast of America was somewhat different in every aspect. One must remember it was nearly 27 years ago and compared to 'West Wales and the Irish Republic', the road system; shops, hotels and living standards were truly amazing. The geographical area was also amazing, with the Pacific to the West and fantastic Mountainous countryside to the South and East. Vancouver was just over the Canadian border only 4 hrs to the North and huge lakes were scattered across Washington State. I was staying at a super hotel and travelling to the Boeing factory at Renton where I was 'attached' to the Quality Department of Boeing Marine Systems. The factory was adjacent to a large lake and the Jetfoil used the same slipways as earlier Boeing Sea Planes had done.

Boeing had just cancelled the SST and thousands had been laid off. The 707 and 727 productions were at an end but the 737 Line was in full swing and the new 767 and 757 were both being introduced, apparently financed from within. The Jumbo Jets were made further north. The Jetfoil and PHM Hanger was gigantic by RAF standards. The PHM was an American Navy Hydrofoil, very sleek and extremely fast but alas with typical American security in place I never managed to get a visit aboard!

The Jetfoil was a high speed hydrofoil powered by two KF 401 jet turbines, basically the same as the engines in the C130, each driving a water propulsion pump with a capacity of 50,000 gallons a minute. She carried 256 passengers in aircraft type seats on a two-deck layout, with huge windows either side of the cabin. Constructed from welded aluminium it was real high tech, had a fly by wire system, an automatic control system and as to be expected from Boeing the systems were of aircraft descent. The front and rear foils (wings, weighing a total of 16 tons)) were raised out of the water hydraulically when the craft was operated as a boat and the water jets were then below the water level. In high speed transit the foils were lowered and locked, full power applied and take off was achieved in about 30 seconds. The front and rear foil 'elevons' remained submerged and controlled the height and turn (banking) of the vessel. As the craft was now clear of the sea the jets of water were clearly seen, the drag was minimal and a cruising speed of over 50 mph was used. The Jetfoil was extremely manoeuvrable and normally stopped in about 450 yards by reducing power and landing but in an emergency the water jet's reverse thrust could be operated, the foils retracted and the vessel stopped in less than 100 yards. Quite an experience as part of the sea trials but not to be recommended with a full passenger load!

The Royal Navy were having a special Jetfoil constructed (HMS Speedy) and I became friendly with the Lt and Lt Cdr who were based out there. They were staying in a Luxury Apartment Building, I could see why as it had everything including a daily 'Maid Service', so I moved into one of the apartments, as did my colleague Frank (ex Irish Navy) who was the electrical specialist. We had a Boeing hired car at our disposal, which could, and was, 'swapped' for any other type of car as we desired. The main reasons for being based at the Boeing factory were to ensure the vessel was built to specification; gain knowledge and experience of the systems and operation, and know who to contact concerning engineering and supply problems. In addition I had to refresh my diving skills (I had done some diving in Cyprus in 1960) as I had agreed to act as a diver on the Jetfoil for maintenance purposes. There would be no going up the chain for advice or information as in the Service! The craft would be operating 17 hrs a day, 7 days a week with out any backup! When operating out of Dublin we would be on our own!

Seeing the craft take shape was quite an experience as was living in America. I got on well with both the workers and management and I was often invited out to their houses. In general everyone worked hard and took pride in all they did. The work ethic seemed remarkable and coupled with the attitude that 'money was god' it was not surprising that many worked long hours. Such long hours did not interfere with the social life some of them lived and I found that occasionally my ability to survive with very little sleep was invaluable. Time flew and it was time to return to Ireland for Christmas, but not before arranging accommodation for the Trainee Maintenance Staff who would be returning with us in the New Year. There were 2 ex RAF, 5 ex Irish Air Corps and the rest were ex B&I Crane Techs or General Techs. I had no any input in their selection!

On the journey out to Seattle our flight was late into New York and we were re routed First Class via Atlanta, a detour of about 2000 miles. To me this seemed extreme but it was apparently common. The free drink policy on First Class certainly cost the airline a packet as free drinks to a bunch of Paddies travelling half way around the world was an invitation too good to miss.
The Boeing training for the Maintenance Staff was good but surprisingly short of practical. The Cu Na Mara, as the vessel was to be named, quickly took shape in the New Year and the sea trials were carried out at Pier 91 in Seattle Harbour. These proved extremely interesting, valuable and exciting and except for the 'poor starting' of the turbines (hung starts) gave me confidence for the future.

My wife, and Frank's, came out for nearly a month and it was an under statement to say that Betty enjoyed the break. Her sister looked after our 5 children back in Ireland and so she had the freedom, time, and the money to spend, to make the most of the experience. We visited Vancouver one week end, and she was entertained by the Boeing Exec's Wives to lunch on the revolving Restaurant of the Seattle Space Tower.

The completed Jetfoil was transported back to Ireland, via the Panama Canal, on a special cradle, which was welded to the deck of a large cargo ship. This cradle would be used in the future to 'Dock' the vessel when it was hoisted out of the water for Annual Maintenance or engine changes.