The Wave ran between Oceanside and San Diego for 25 weeks, 3/ to 8/22/03. The demonstration successfully shows that people would choose to ride on a high speed ferry. The project also served as a platform for conducting many valuable marine tests.

By the end of the demonstration program ridership had reached targeted levels. During the last three days of operations passengers had to be turned away as the 149 maximum occupancy was met.

The Port of Oceanside benefited with an addition to the Dolphin Dock.

"I have had the great fortune to take the WAVE twice in the past few weeks …it is absolutely the best way to travel to San Diego these days."

"I can't think of a better way to go to work."

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our multiple rides on The Wave… including seeing a large pod of dolphins."

The project provided testing for several technologies. In addition to the valuable data gathered in the wake tests (the vessel demonstrated a design which minimizes the impact of wake on the environment) and the emissions tests (the project demonstrated how to run alternate system that can significantly reduce air contaminate), other tests were conducted as part of the project. Some of these tests were completed during the regularly scheduled trips; others were conducted on special runs. One example of a special test was the testing of low-visibility sensors and data systems in conjunction with SPAWARS. The heavy vehicle emissions testing was conducted in with West Virginia University

By the last days of the demonstration several people were turned away as the boat was filled to capacity.

As part of the demonstration a new dock was built for the Port of San Diego.

A significant portion of the funding was used for docking facilities, including the new dock at the Port of San Diego, between the Cruise Terminal and Navy Pier. Oceanside also benefited with a significant improvement to its Dolphin Dock.