Before I have coffee, I call Bobbie and catch her in the
terminal at LAX. She’s feeling a bit
weepy. I understand. I just hope she can get a decent seat and nap
to Boston.
Newspaper, toast, time with the Great Geezer followed. He has an estate sale he wants to attend, and
I want to see the Star off on her morning sail now that the fog has burned
off.
The San Diego Maritime Museum writes of her, “Star of India
is the world's oldest active sailing ship. She began her life on the stocks at
Ramsey Shipyard in the Isle of Man in 1863. Iron ships were experiments of
sorts then, with most vessels still being built of wood. Within five months of
laying her keel, the ship was launched into her element. She bore the name
Euterpe, after the Greek muse of music and poetry.”
In 1901, she was sold to the Alaskan Packers, cut down to
a barque, and renamed the Star of India. She
hauled salmon until 1921. Retired to
rot, instead she was bought and brought to San Diego where she became the heart
of what is now the San Diego Maritime Museum.
Many of us got to spend birthdays aboard her, and thanks to
my step father, I got to go out with her after her post restoration first sail in
1983. G came along on her second time
out, in 1984. Today we won’t be on the
water, but I will be able to get a few shots from land.
Wow, the Geezer before he was a Geezer! Look at all my hair.
ReplyDeleteWow! That's a beautiful boat and Geezer? What a handsome hunk of a man!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kay...once a looker, always a looker, I guess. That was an interesting history. I have a ship tour (small--both the ship and the tour) that I should post just for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful ship! You inspired me to read more on Wikipedia, which tells me that from 1871 for 25 years she carried emmigrants from England to New Zealand, with Australia a port of call. A life-changing form of transport for many, many people. How interesting it would be if old ships like her could talk!
ReplyDelete