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Pride II and Key Bridge, by John Beatty

SAIL MAIL: A Rendezvous with the Hermione, Tall Ships, July 4th and More

Greetings!

Pride of Baltimore II by Jeff Woods
Pride of Baltimore II by Jeff Woods

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Sail Mail! As of this writing, Captain Miles and our crew are preparing the Pride of Baltimore II for the launch of our sailing season this coming Friday, June 19, when we escort The Hermione into the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. We’re thrilled to be taking part in such an historic event and look forward to welcoming folks aboard.

We’re also looking forward to remaining in local waters this summer/fall and providing a number of opportunities to learn about and experience Pride. You will have the opportunity to participate in the unique and historical experience of stepping aboard a topsail schooner through our interpretive dockside tours, as well as join us for day sails and overnight guest crew opportunities.

Did you know that Pride is also available to be chartered for either private day sails of up to 35 people as well as dockside receptions for 100? For years, private parties and corporations have taken advantage of using Pride as a unique venue in ports throughout the world. If you are a business owner trying to cultivate existing clients or attract new ones, chartering Pride is a great way to differentiate your company. Contact us to learn more.

And, check our website in the coming weeks to learn more about opportunities to come aboard!
 


 

See Pride Rendezvous with the Hermione!

It’s Part of a 3-Day Weekend Celebration
 

em>Hermione Hits the Atlantic, Courtesy Hermione
em>Hermione Hits the Atlantic, Courtesy Hermione

Join us on Friday, June 19, 2015 as Pride of Baltimore II makes a historic rendezvous with the French-built Hermione. You may have heard about the Hermione recently on TV. In April, Hermione departed from France on a two-month Living History Sail to commemorate the voyage that brought a young Marquis de Lafayette to aid General George Washington during the American Revolution. The Hermione sailed 3,819 miles across the Atlantic, making landfall in Yorktown, Virginia June 5. She is sailing up the coast retracing Lafayette’s footsteps, including a stop here in Baltimore!

Lafayette was just 19 years old when he volunteered to fight for the American Revolution. It was because of him that the King of France sent 5,000 soldiers and six ships to aid in the battle, and, eventually, help defeat the British. Pride of Baltimore II is proud to partake in the Hermione’s historic voyage and to welcome her with open arms to Baltimore, a city itself that is deeply rooted in American history.

Take Part In the Excitement!

Beginning at 7 am on June 19, the ships will meet in the Inner Harbor near the Key Bridge and Fort McHenry. Pride will then escort the Hermione to the Inner Harbor. There will be a salute from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine at 7:30 am as the ships enter the Harbor.

The best vantage points to see the ships enter the Inner Harbor will be from:

  • Broadway Pier in Fells Point (900 S. Broadway), and
  • Tide Point (1040 Hull St.,)
  • Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, opening at 6:30 am that day (2400 East Fort Ave)
  • Other vantage points to consider include: Canton Waterfront Park, The Promenade, Federal Hill and The Baltimore Museum of Industry.

 

Welcome Ceremony

 
A Welcome Ceremony with French and American dignitaries will take place at 10 am at the Inner Harbor’s Constellation Pier 1 (301 E. Pratt Street). This ceremony will kick off a weekend of fun activities, day sails and deck tours, so you won’t want to miss it!
 

Free Tours, Day Sails and More

 
Deck Tours of the Hermione and Pride of Baltimore II will be available from Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21. In addition, Pride will offer 2-hour public day sails from 2-4pm each day, but get your tickets early, as they are sure to sell out! In addition, Pride can be chartered for evening sails Friday, Saturday and Sunday. To make reservations for a day sail or to book a private charter for a group of up to 33 passengers, visit www.pride2.org or call 410-539-1151.
 

The Complete Schedule of Weekend Events is as follows:

 

Friday, June 19, 2015

 
10 am: Welcome Ceremony with French and American officials

12 pm – 4pm: Public Tours of the Hermione

12 pm – 1pm: Public Tours of Pride

2 pm – 4pm: Pride Public Sail: Click here to purchase tickets

12 pm – 4pm: Traveling Exhibit about the reconstruction and Community Events, including colonial craft demonstrations, fife and drum corps, and sing-a-longs on the Pier.

Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Constellation Pier 1 (301 E. Pratt Street) and the West Wall (301 Light Street)

Saturday, June 20, 2015

9 am – 4pm: Public Tours of the Hermione

9 am – 1 pm: Public Tours of Pride

2 pm – 4 pm: Pride Public Sail: Click here to purchase tickets

9 am – 7 pm: Traveling Exhibit about the reconstruction and Community Events, including colonial craft demonstrations, fife and drum corps, and sing-a-longs on the Pier.

Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Constellation Pier 1 (301 E. Pratt Street) and the West Wall (301 Light Street)

Sunday, June 21, 2015

9 am – 4pm: Public Tours of the Hermione

9 am – 1pm: Public Tours of Pride

2 pm – 4pm: Pride Public Sail: Click here to purchase tickets

9 am – 7 pm: Traveling Exhibit about the reconstruction and Community Events, including colonial craft demonstrations, fife and drum corps, and sing-a-longs on the Pier.

Location: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Constellation Pier 1 (301 E. Pratt Street) and the West Wall (301 Light Street)
 


 

Join us in Philadelphia At The Tall Ships Festival!

 TallShipsLogo

From June 25-28, 2015, the waterfronts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Camden, New Jersey will create the perfect venue as more than a dozen international and domestic Tall Ships sail in for Tall Ships ® Philadelphia Camden 2015.

The festival presents visitors with the rare chance to catch a glimpse, step aboard, and even set sail on some of the grandest ships of yore.

Pride will be at the festival and will offer Day Sails, Cannon Battle Sails and Deck Tours all weekend long! Visit our website for dates and times, and to purchase passes for Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden.

From left to right: El Galeon, Tree of Life, Privateer Lynx
From left to right: El Galeon, Tree of Life, Privateer Lynx

Other ships you can tour include:

El Galeon: El Galeon Andalucia is a replica of the late 16th Century fabled merchant vessels and warships that made up the early navies of Europe. She is the only Galeon class vessel sailing the open seas today.

Tree of Life: Built in Nova Scotia, Canada, Tree of Life is a luxurious 91′ long gaff-rigged schooner built of fir, spruce, Honduran Mahogany, koa and teak. In 2002, she embarked on a three-year circumnavigation. Tree of Life is based in Newport, RI and sails the New England waters with private charters.

Privateer Lynx: In 1997 Woodson K. Woods embarked on a journey to build a privateer inspired by the original historic tall ship from the War of 1812 – The Privateer Lynx. His goal was to create a living history museum to educate children and adults alike about American history through active sail training aboard a real wooden sailing ship. Now, Lynx does just that. At 78 feet long, Lynx is an award-winning vessel that is no stranger to the silver screen and page.
 


 

Just What Is a Day Sail?

 
DaySailThinking of taking a Day Sail aboard Pride? It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Sailing with Pride is as hands on—or relaxing—as you choose.

Pride sails from the Inner Harbor into the Patapsco River, past Fort McHenry and near the Key Bridge, just like Francis Scott Key did during the War of 1812. If the conditions are right, we can catch some beautiful wind. With her sails unfurled, Pride is a sight to behold.

On board, guests enjoy the fascinating history of Baltimore’s harbor and the role it played in America’s ‘Second War of Independence.’ You’ll hear about the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the ‘Bombs Bursting In Air’ as we pass Fort McHenry. You’ll also see the thriving seaport of present-day Baltimore and hear about the city’s fascinating commercial industry. And you’ll learn more about Pride herself, from her inspiration 200 years ago to the wizardry of her construction as a wooden sailing vessel, to the tragic event that caused an entire city to unite together and create the ship we know today as Pride II.

You can help pull lines and raise the sails. Or, you can sit back and enjoy the breeze! There is something for everyone on board Pride. (Plus, you can even bring your own food and drink—just no glass containers.)

Our tours last 2 hours, which is nearly twice as long as other boat tours in the Inner Harbor!

So what are you waiting for? We are offering a limited number Day Sails this season and they are bound to sell out – get your tickets today!
 


 

Independence Day at Fort McHenry

 

July 4 at Fort McHenry, credit Kate Cwiek
July 4 at Fort McHenry, credit Kate Cwiek

After the finale of the Tall Ships ® Philadelphia Camden 2015 Festival, Pride will sail back to her home port, Baltimore, for Independence Day weekend!

Since July 4th falls on a Saturday, we are planning a weekend of Day Sails from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5.

Pride will be docked at the pier at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, and we’re planning our sails around the Ranger-led tours. So you can make a whole day of it. Visit Fort McHenry and take a tour, then come aboard Pride.

Watch the Fourth of July fireworks in the Inner Harbor from the water. Whether we are sailing or the captain picks a great spot with an unobstructed view, you will have one of the best seats in town if you are on Pride of Baltimore II. Celebrate Independence Day aboard America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador! Watch our schedule for tickets to go on sale.

Fort McHenry plans a slew of special activities around Independence Day. For more details, visit their website.

For parking and other Visitor Information, click here.

 


 

Like Sail Mail? Share Us With a Friend!

 
I hope you’re enjoying our monthly Sail Mail! E-newsletter. If you have a friend or family member who might enjoy receiving up-to-the-minute news and information about our news, events, and updates (and, of course, our trivia questions), simply send them this link: https://pride2.org/e-newsletter-registration/

And they can sign up!

Speaking of Trivia…
 


 

Trivia Time!

 

The Marquis de Lafayette, courtesy NY Historical Society
The Marquis de Lafayette, courtesy NY Historical Society

Congratulations to everyone who correctly answered last month’s question! The wood used for the frames of the USS Constitution was southern live oak, a tree that grows along the U.S. coast from Virginia to Texas. American shipwrights recognized the superior strength and durability of southern live oak compared to the European oak traditionally used by the British navy, but faced many difficulties in getting it from Georgia to the 6 shipyards building frigates for the US navy in the 1790s.

Ready for this month’s question?

Question: The beautifully reconstructed French frigate Hermione is currently visiting the East Coast, after re-enacting Lafayette’s 1780 transatlantic voyage, when he was instrumental in engaging France to aid the American Revolution. In planning Hermione’s reconstruction, French shipwrights found critical design details in the archives of their long-time enemies, the British. Pride of Baltimore‘s 1976 reconstruction of 1812 era Baltimore Clippers also relied heavily on those enemy archives. How was it that, two centuries later, in both cases the Brits had better detailed ship design info than the builders own countries?

Email us with the correct answer, and you could win a prize!

Until next month,

Rick Scott

Executive Director, Pride of Baltimore II