Malibu Princess: The History of Young Life's Iconic Vessel
For decades, the journey to the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest has been defined by the Malibu Princess. This specialized vessel was born out of necessity, designed to transport young passengers and essential supplies from the bustling city of Vancouver to the remote shores of Malibu. Its story is one of community effort, strategic design, and adaptation to the rugged coastline of British Columbia.
The Need for a Dedicated Vessel
In its early years, Young Life relied on chartered freight boats to move campers and gear. However, by 1965, the organization faced a critical challenge when their reliable freight hauler went out of business. To ensure the continuity of their programs, Young Life determined that they needed a vessel specifically designed to meet their unique operational requirements.
Following a letter of intent, Philip F. Spaulding and Associates of Seattle were commissioned to design the ship, while Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. at the False Creek shipyard was selected for construction. The vessel was named the Malibu Princess, a tribute to a large yacht previously owned by Young Life. That yacht was sold to help finance the new project and was subsequently renamed the Weatherly.
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Design and Engineering
The architectural inspiration for the Malibu Princess came from the MV Coho of the Black Ball Line, though the Princess was built as a shorter version of that well-known ship to better suit its specific routes and capacity needs.
Financing and Launch
The total cost to bring the Malibu Princess to life was $335,000. This was funded through a combination of sources: $135,000 was provided by the Canadian Maritime Commission Ship Subsidy, supplemented by the proceeds from the sale of the Weatherly. The remaining balance was covered by a loan secured by Mr. C.D. Weyerhaeuser, which was eventually paid off through major donations and dedicated fundraising efforts.
The ship officially entered the water on Saturday, March 26, 1966, launching at 9:00 AM.
Operational Evolution and Logistics
The Malibu Princess has seen its home ports shift as Vancouver grew. Initially, she was based at the North Vancouver waterfront near the current SeaBus Terminal at the foot of Chesterfield Ave. In 1972, she moved to a pier west of the old Pier B-C, an area that now houses Canada Place and Vancouver's cruise ship facilities.
For years, the vessel performed a grueling weekly round trip from Vancouver to Malibu. This 16+ hour journey transported campers and supplies to "The Bu" and returned with the campers at the end of their stay. To improve efficiency, the Princess was moved to a new berth in Egmont in 1997. This strategic move reduced travel time by more than 60%, significantly lowering fuel costs and reducing wear and tear on the ship.
Today, the logistics have shifted: campers travel via charter bus along the Sunshine Coast highway, utilizing B.C. Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to the Langdale Terminal before boarding the ship at Egmont.
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Key Facts
- Launch Date: March 26, 1966.
- Design Basis: A shorter version of the MV Coho.
- Total Cost: $335,000.
- Designers: Philip F. Spaulding and Associates (Seattle).
- Builders: Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. (False Creek).
- Current Status: Available for private charters and tours to Princess Louisa Inlet via Malibu Yacht Charters in Egmont.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Home Port | North Vancouver (Chesterfield Ave) |
| Secondary Home Port | Pier B-C (now Canada Place) |
| Current Base | Egmont, BC |
| Primary Route | Vancouver/Egmont to Malibu |
| Funding Sources | Canadian Maritime Commission, Yacht Sale, C.D. Weyerhaeuser Loan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Malibu Princess built?
The vessel was built because Young Life's previous chartered freight hauler went out of business in 1965, leaving the organization without a reliable way to transport campers and supplies to Malibu.
How was the ship financed?
The $335,000 cost was covered by a $135,000 subsidy from the Canadian Maritime Commission, the sale of a yacht called the Weatherly, and a loan secured by Mr. C.D. Weyerhaeuser.
How did the move to Egmont benefit the ship's operations?
Moving the berth to Egmont in 1997 reduced travel time by over 60%, which significantly decreased fuel expenses and minimized the physical wear and tear on the vessel.
Can the Malibu Princess be hired for private trips?
Yes, the M.V. Malibu Princess is available for private charters and tours to Princess Louisa Inlet through Malibu Yacht Charters in Egmont.
What ship served as the design model for the Malibu Princess?
The design was based on a shorter version of the MV Coho, a vessel operated by the Black Ball Line.