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Lady Washington and Other Tall Ships Visit Bay Area
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
Tall
pieces of fleeting history, sailing ships, have returned to the Bay
area to delight, educate and entertain those with a desire to experience
part of California’s historic past.
The first wooden sailing vessel to visit San Francisco Bay is believed to have
been the ‘Golden Hind,’ captained by Sir Francis Drake in 1579. During
his visit, Drake christened the area ‘Nova Albion’ as he claimed
it for England. While the name and the claim eventually changed, the same vessels
are still returning to the Bay.
The most recent wind-powered visitors to Northern California aren’t here
to claim the Golden State for England. The sailing ships, Lady Washington and
Hawaiian Chieftain, have a loftier purpose – preserving maritime history.
The ships are owned and operated by the Gray’s Harbor Historical Seaport
Authority.
Launched on March 7, 1989, Lady Washington is the Official Ship of the State
of Washington. The vessel is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington
which carried freight between colonial ports until becoming a privateer in the
American Revolutionary War.
After the Revolutionary War, Lady Washington was refitted and made the treacherous
journey around the tip of South America to the Pacific Ocean. In 1788 she became
the first American vessel to make landfall on the west coast of North America.
The 112-foot ship has 11 sails made of over 4,400 square feet of cloth.
The topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain is a replica of a typical European merchant
trader at the turn of the 19th century. Her hull shape and rigging are similar
to those of Spanish explorer’s ships used in the expeditions of the late
18th century along the Washington, Oregon and California coasts.
Built of steel in Hawaii in 1988 and originally designed for cargo trade among
the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Chieftain’s design was influenced by the
early colonial passenger and coastal packets that carried on trade along the
Atlantic coastal cities and towns.
Slightly smaller than her companion, she is 106 feet long with 10 sails and 4050
square feet of sail.
Both ships are fully compliant with modern safety regulations and are manned
by expert crews of sailors.
The tall ships are welcoming the general public aboard for dockside tours during
their stay in the Bay area. The ships will be in Oakland’s Jack London
Square until March 22.
In addition to the dockside tours, those with dreams of billowing sails can sign
up for one of the many three-hour public sailings. During these family-friendly
trips participants will become familiar with tall ship traditions.
The adventurous can participate in a “Battle Sail” featuring blazing
cannons and close-quarter maneuvers. These mock battles are extremely popular
and are sure to bring out a visitor’s “inner pirate,” say riders
with a smile.
Further information on the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, including
specifications and the histories behind both ships are available at the Gray’s
Harbor website http://www.historicalseaport.org.
Reservations are strongly recommended for those who want a piece of history on
the high seas. Visit the Gray’s Harbour website or call (800) 200-5239.
Senior discounts are available.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
