Davidson and Jost’s Titanic 2 Ferry Makes Waves with Unique Design – Discover the Differences
The Staten Island Ferry boat, famously purchased by “Saturday Night Live” stars Pete Davidson and Colin Jost, has made headlines again. The vessel, now dubbed “Titanic 2,” has undergone a striking transformation as part of a promotional campaign for the TCS New York City Marathon.
Transformation of the John F. Kennedy Ferry
Originally named the John F. Kennedy, this decommissioned ferry was recently spotted in vibrant red. The rebranded boat is prominently featuring Nike’s campaign slogan: “NYC Won’t Carry You. It Pushes You.” This campaign coincides with the upcoming New York City Marathon scheduled for Sunday.
Cultural Impact and Community Connection
- The iconic slogan is painted boldly on the side of the ferry, along with a modified Nike “swoosh” logo featuring the word “Run.”
- Local Staten Islander TJ Smolka shared his excitement about the ferry’s revival, expressing pride in Davidson and Jost’s efforts to restore the vessel.
- Smolka’s Instagram account, @SoVeryFerry, has been documenting the ferry’s transformation, especially during its recent paint jobs at Caddell Dry Dock & Repair.
Plans for the Future of the Ferry
Davidson and Jost acquired the JFK ferry four years ago for $280,000. Their ambition was to convert it into a floating entertainment venue, complete with restaurants and performance spaces. However, the duo has faced challenges in realizing this vision.
Challenges Faced
- Renovations on the ferry have experienced significant delays.
- A law firm hired by the pair has filed a lawsuit against them for non-payment of services related to the ferry.
Despite the hurdles, Davidson remains optimistic about the ferry’s potential. Jost, however, has humorously indicated regret, describing the purchase as “the dumbest and least thought-through purchase I’ve ever made in my life.”
Nike’s Sponsorship and Marathon Events
Nike is prominently featured at the Empire Outlets mall in St. George and has organized several events leading up to the marathon weekend. This includes marathon-themed advertisements that enhance the connection between the local community and the ongoing celebration of sport.
The New York City Marathon will commence on Sunday, beginning from the Staten Island side of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at 8 a.m. Davidson and Jost’s “Titanic 2” ferry continues to be a unique and engaging addition to the Staten Island landscape.
