Tall Ships

I like the tall ships.  We went on a tall ship in San Diego, and when the Lady Washington came to Long Beach, I was ready to go again.

Lady Washington is a full scale reproduction of the original built in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1989.  

The first American vessel to visit the west coast of North America, she was originally built in Massachusetts in the 1700's. 

During the American Revolution she became a privateer.

In 1787 she was refit for a voyage around Cape Horn to the northwest coast, China, and back to Boston via Cape of Good Hope.

The crew dresses in period costume. 

They are volunteer, and serve for a season at a time.  The Lady Washington travels down the coast to San Diego, and then back north.

 

This time we were able to watch them actually climb the rigging and set the top sails.

They have elaborate climbing gear, and are clipped on, but only after they get up there.  Climbing up and down they just have to hang on.

The weather wasn't much for sailing.  We went out in the harbor, turned around, and came back.

Notice the glassy sea.

Happy Birthday, dear.

Sparred length 112' with jib boom run out
Length on deck - 68'
Length at waterline - 56'
Beam - 22'
Draft - 11'
Rig - Brig

 Rigging - 6 miles of rope

Main mast height - 88'

Sail area - 4,600 sq. ft.
Displacement - 210 tons
Guns - 2  3-pound deck guns, 2 swivel guns

Crew - 12
Passengers - 48