#Pride of Baltimore II

[the-golden-vanity]

I'm currently (finally) reading Gillian Hutchinson's book on the Franklin Expedition, and I think the biggest surprise so far has been finding out that Erebus and Terror were approximately the same length and beam as Pride of Baltimore II, the schooner I sailed up the East Coast of the USA on this summer.*

Pride sails with a crew of 18 (guest + professional crew combined). Erebus and Terror carried a combined total of 129 men on their fatal final voyage.

...is now an appropriate time to say "I know it smelled crazy in there"?

*Erebus and Terror each had an orlop deck/hold, which Pride doesn't, but since Pride had lots of storage space under the sole boards, I think the main difference there is that the engines wouldn't have taken up part of the deck people were living on.

[ltwilliammowett]

Topsail schooner Pride of Baltimore II

[clove-pinks]

Pride of Baltimore II, photographed by Norbert Stager.

[retroboldphotography]

[barkingbonzo]

Pride of Baltimore II

Like the original Pride, the Pride II is not a replica of a specific vessel, and, although it represents a type of vessel known as a "Baltimore Clipper", it was built to contemporary standards for seaworthiness and comfort. Like its predecessor, it is a topsail schooner. Built in the iconic "Baltimore Clipper" style, Pride II has heavily raked masts, and has 10 sails, she carries two large gaff sails (one on a boom and one loose-footed), a main gaff topsail, three headsails, and a square topsail and flying topgallant on the foremast. Also rare on modern traditional sailing vessels, it flies studding sails (stun's'ls), additional sails set along the edge of the square topsail and the gaff mainsail on temporary spars known as stun's'l booms. Pride II also carries a very unusual sail known as a ring-tail, set like a studding sail off the main boom and main gaff.

Over two decades later in its storied career, on 5 September 2005, the Pride of Baltimore II suffered a complete dismasting while sailing in a squall in the Bay of Biscay off the western coast of France. The ship returned to port under motor power for repairs and spent over four months rebuilding the rig in St. Nazaire, France.

Until 2010, the Pride of Baltimore II was owned by the citizens of the state of Maryland and operated by Pride of Baltimore, Inc., a private, nonprofit organization. Ownership was transferred to the ship's nonprofit operator with unanimous approval by Maryland's state governmental Board of Public Works on 9 June 2010.

[heavenlybackside]

Pride of Baltimore II

[rockyp77mk3]

Pride of Baltimore II. Long ago the city of Baltimore used to produce something wonderful. Today the city produces crime, bad leadership, and a hole into which Marylanders tax dollars are poured. But once upon a time it was the home of a thriving ship building center. One of the products was the wonderful little "Baltimore Clipper". Fast, and sleek these ships made excellent privateers as well as carriers for light, high value cargo.

[dirtyriver]

Our Trump reporting upsets some readers, but there aren’t two sides to facts: Letter from the Editor

This is a tough column to write, because I don’t want to demean or insult those who write me in good faith. I’ve started it a half dozen times since November but turned to other topics each time because this needle hard to thread. No matter how I present it, I’ll offend some thoughtful, decent people.

The north star here is truth. We tell the truth, even when it offends some of the people who pay us for information.

The truth is that Donald Trump undermined faith in our elections in his false bid to retain the presidency. He sparked an insurrection intended to overthrow our government and keep himself in power. No president in our history has done worse.

This is not subjective. We all saw it. Plenty of leaders today try to convince the masses we did not see what we saw, but our eyes don’t deceive. (If leaders began a yearslong campaign today to convince us that the Baltimore bridge did not collapse Tuesday morning, would you ever believe them?) Trust your eyes. Trump on Jan. 6 launched the most serious threat to our system of government since the Civil War. You know that. You saw it.

The facts involving Trump are crystal clear, and as news people, we cannot pretend otherwise, as unpopular as that might be with a segment of our readers. There aren’t two sides to facts. People who say the earth is flat don’t get space on our platforms. If that offends them, so be it.

As for those who equate Trump and Joe Biden, that’s false equivalency. Biden has done nothing remotely close to the egregious, anti-American acts of Trump. We can debate the success and mindset of our current president, as we have about most presidents in our lifetimes, but Biden was never a threat to our democracy. Trump is. He is unique among all American presidents for his efforts to keep power at any cost.

Personally, I find it hard to understand how Americans who take pride in our system of government support Trump. All those soldiers who died in World War II were fighting against the kind of regime Trump wants to create on our soil. How do they not see it?

Chris Quinn, Editor, cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer

[charminglyantiquated]

hey, I know you've posted so many resources about sailing, but I'm pretty desperate for a change and I really would like to know. if I wanted to get into it, right now, as someone who lives on a different coast and has zero experience, how can I take to the sea? I wouldn't ask if i wasn't uh. yeah desperate is the only word I can use

Key West! I can vouch for the schooner When and If, and I'm aware of a few others (although no experience on them personally) - the Spirit of Independence, America 2.0, the Jolly II Roger, and maybe the Appledore II and Appledore Star if they're down there this winter. Outside of Florida, the privateer Lynx is in St Simon's Island Georgia for the winter. As a boat which does educational sails, it's good to learn on and they can always use crew.

And here's a few more replies to recent posts asking about winter work/maintenance work. SEA - Sea Education Foundation, LAMI - Los Angeles Maritime Institute, Meerwald - schooner AJ Meerwald. Maintenance work can be a good way to ease into familiarity with the ship, crew, and boat vocab, and as incognita-soul mentions, it pretty much guarantees you a spot on the sailing crew when the season begins.I think Pride of Baltimore II also does winter maintenance.

Find their websites, find their application form or simply their email, and send out a resume. Since you don't have sailing experience, then where possible you should highlight teamwork, an ability to learn on the job, people-oriented skills from retail/customer service/hospitality, and any manual labor or outdoors hobbies. Basically, you're trying to show that you work well with others, you're willing and able to learn new skills, and that you have a realistic idea of what the job entails: physical effort, teamwork, and tourist wrangling. Where your work experience falls short in showing this, state it outright in your email, which can double as a cover letter. And don't be afraid to toss in any odd things you're competent in. Tall ships are a good place to be a jack of all trades, sitting as they are at the intersection of tourism and hospitality, education, and historic restoration/preservation, on top of the actual sailing itself.

[benjhawkins]

LET’S LOOK AT SOME BOATS

The annual Sultana Downrigging Festival will be taking place in Chestertown, Maryland the weekend of October 27th-29th! Some great ships will be in attendance including the 1812 replica schooner Lynx and everyone’s favorite Pride of Baltimore II!

[tomorrowusa]

« The truth is that Donald Trump undermined faith in our elections in his false bid to retain the presidency. He sparked an insurrection intended to overthrow our government and keep himself in power. No president in our history has done worse.

This is not subjective. We all saw it. Plenty of leaders today try to convince the masses we did not see what we saw, but our eyes don’t deceive. (If leaders began a yearslong campaign today to convince us that the Baltimore bridge did not collapse Tuesday morning, would you ever believe them?) Trust your eyes. Trump on Jan. 6 launched the most serious threat to our system of government since the Civil War. You know that. You saw it.

[ ... ]

As for those who equate Trump and Joe Biden, that’s false equivalency. Biden has done nothing remotely close to the egregious, anti-American acts of Trump. We can debate the success and mindset of our current president, as we have about most presidents in our lifetimes, but Biden was never a threat to our democracy. Trump is. He is unique among all American presidents for his efforts to keep power at any cost.

Personally, I find it hard to understand how Americans who take pride in our system of government support Trump. All those soldiers who died in World War II were fighting against the kind of regime Trump wants to create on our soil. How do they not see it? »

— Chris Quinn, editor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Exactly. Our ancestors risked their lives to stop the sort of totalitarianism represented by Donald Trump and his mentor Vladimir Putin. The least we can do is risk some minor inconvenience by registering to vote and casting our ballots.

Be a voter | Vote Save America

As former Labor Secretary Robert Reich has reminded us, "History shows there are no “one day” dictatorships." And once a dictatorship is installed, people rarely have a chance to get rid of it by simply voting it out. Dictatorships are far easier to prevent than to end.

[the-golden-vanity]

I miss this... North Atlantic Ocean, near Block Island, 8/12/24.

[ltwilliammowett]

undefined

Pride of Baltimore II, July 2021

Video courtesy of Chief Mate Jeff Crosby

[clove-pinks]

Pride of Baltimore II, a replica topsail schooner built to the lines of an 1812-era Baltimore Clipper.

They were used in naval service, illegal trading, and for carrying light cargoes. But the Baltimore Clippers received their true recognition for their role in the War of 1812. The Clippers were used to prey on English merchant ships and run blockades. If and when discovered they were able to outsail their opponents and therefore were able to keep on schedule better than their counterparts. In this way the Baltimore Clippers were responsible for more than 500 sinkings or seizures of British ships.

— Jennifer Klima, "The Baltimore Clipper", Maryland State Archives.

[thatstormygeek]

This is a tough column to write, because I don’t want to demean or insult those who write me in good faith. I’ve started it a half dozen times since November but turned to other topics each time because this needle hard to thread. No matter how I present it, I’ll offend some thoughtful, decent people. The north star here is truth. We tell the truth, even when it offends some of the people who pay us for information. The truth is that Donald Trump undermined faith in our elections in his false bid to retain the presidency. He sparked an insurrection intended to overthrow our government and keep himself in power. No president in our history has done worse. This is not subjective. We all saw it. Plenty of leaders today try to convince the masses we did not see what we saw, but our eyes don’t deceive. (If leaders began a yearslong campaign today to convince us that the Baltimore bridge did not collapse Tuesday morning, would you ever believe them?) Trust your eyes. Trump on Jan. 6 launched the most serious threat to our system of government since the Civil War. You know that. You saw it.

Personally, I find it hard to understand how Americans who take pride in our system of government support Trump. All those soldiers who died in World War II were fighting against the kind of regime Trump wants to create on our soil. How do they not see it? The March 25 edition of the New Yorker magazine offers some insight. It includes a detailed review of a new book about Adolf Hitler, focused on the year 1932. It’s called “Takeover: Hitler’s Final Rise to Power” and is by historian Timothy W. Ryback. It explains how German leaders – including some in the media -- thought they could use Hitler as a means to get power for themselves and were willing to look past his obvious deficiencies to get where they wanted. In tolerating and using Hitler as a means to an end, they helped create the monstrous dictator responsible for millions of deaths. How are those German leaders different from people in Congress saying the election was stolen or that Jan. 6 was not an insurrection aimed at destroying our government? They know the truth, but they deny it. They see Trump as a means to an end – power for themselves and their “team” – even if it means repeatedly telling lies.

[factinhistory]

What Happened on September 14 in History?

September 14 is a date marked by pivotal events across various fields, from arts and politics to military history and diplomacy. This date has witnessed the birth of iconic symbols, significant political appointments, and groundbreaking achievements in technology and culture. Here is a detailed look at some of the notable events that occurred on September 14 throughout history.

What Happened on September 14 in History?

Fiery Birth for Star-Spangled Banner (1814)

On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key penned the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which would later become known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Key, who was aboard a ship in Baltimore Harbor, witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. His poem captured the resilience of the American defenders and the sight of the American flag flying over the fort amidst the chaos.

The poem, written in the midst of the battle, reflected both the tumultuous circumstances and the enduring spirit of the American people. It was published as a broadside shortly after the battle and gained widespread popularity. Eventually, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was adopted as the national anthem of the United States, symbolizing national pride and unity. The events of September 14 and Key’s poetic response became a lasting part of American heritage.

Inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt (1901)

On September 14, 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 26th President of the United States following the assassination of President William McKinley. Roosevelt, who was Vice President at the time, assumed the presidency in Buffalo, New York, making him the youngest person to hold the office at just 42 years old.

Roosevelt’s ascension to the presidency on September 14 marked the beginning of a new era in American politics. Known for his vigorous reform policies and dynamic leadership, Roosevelt would go on to implement significant changes in domestic and foreign policy. His presidency is often remembered for its progressive reforms, including antitrust actions and conservation efforts, which had a lasting impact on the nation.

Your Country Needs You (1914)

On September 14, 1914, the iconic recruitment poster featuring Lord Kitchener with the phrase “Your Country Needs You” appeared on the cover of the London Opinion magazine. This poster, designed by Alfred Leete, became one of the most famous images of World War I, serving as a powerful call to arms for British citizens.

The poster, featuring Kitchener’s stern gaze and direct appeal, was intended to encourage enlistment in the British Army as the war effort escalated. The message on September 14 resonated deeply with the public and became a symbol of wartime patriotism and recruitment. The image of Kitchener, with its urgent tone, played a crucial role in mobilizing British forces and is still recognized today as an emblem of World War I recruitment campaigns.

Neutrality Act of 1937 (1937)

On September 14, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Neutrality Act of 1937 into law. This legislation aimed to keep the United States neutral as conflicts intensified abroad, particularly in Europe and Asia. The Act prohibited American ships from trading arms with warring nations, reflecting the isolationist sentiment prevalent in the U.S. at the time.

The Neutrality Act of September 14 was part of a broader series of neutrality laws designed to prevent the U.S. from becoming entangled in foreign wars. Despite these measures, the global situation continued to evolve, and the U.S. would eventually shift its stance with the onset of World War II. The Act represented an effort to maintain American neutrality in a turbulent international environment.

The Age of Zeppelins (1938)

On September 14, 1938, the Graf Zeppelin II, the world’s largest airship, made its maiden flight. This massive dirigible, designed by the Zeppelin Company, was a marvel of engineering and represented a significant advancement in airship technology. The Graf Zeppelin II was intended to provide luxurious and long-distance air travel.

The maiden flight of the Graf Zeppelin II on September 14 highlighted the continued fascination with airship travel during the interwar period. Although the use of zeppelins would eventually decline with the rise of airplanes, the Graf Zeppelin II’s flight demonstrated the impressive capabilities of airship technology at the time and captured the public imagination.

Churchill Visits Scapa Flow (1939)

On September 14, 1939, Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty, visited the British naval base at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. This visit was part of Churchill’s efforts to inspect and bolster British naval defenses early in World War II. Scapa Flow was a critical naval base for the Royal Navy, providing a strategic location for operations in the North Atlantic.

Churchill’s visit to Scapa Flow on September 14 underscored the importance of maintaining strong naval capabilities during the early stages of the war. The visit was also a demonstration of Churchill’s hands-on approach to leadership and his commitment to ensuring the readiness of British forces in the face of mounting threats.

1st Medal of Honor of WWII (1942)

On September 14, 1942, Admiral Chester Nimitz presented the first Medal of Honor of World War II to sailor John William Finn. Finn received the award for his extraordinary bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite being wounded, he manned an exposed machine gun and continued to fight against the Japanese assault.

The Medal of Honor presentation on September 14 took place aboard the USS Enterprise in Pearl Harbor. Finn’s courage became a symbol of the heroism displayed by American service members during the war. His actions on that fateful day exemplified the dedication and bravery that characterized the American response to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Gerald Ford’s Upset (1948)

On September 14, 1948, Gerald Ford achieved a significant political victory by defeating incumbent Representative Bartel J. Jonkman in Michigan’s 5th District Republican primary. This upset marked the beginning of Ford’s rise in American politics, eventually leading to his presidency.

Ford’s primary victory on September 14 was a pivotal moment in his political career. His subsequent work as a Congressman and later as Vice President and President shaped his legacy. Ford’s ability to secure this primary win demonstrated his political acumen and set the stage for his future achievements in American governance.

Khrushchev Succeeds Malenkov (1953)

On September 14, 1953, Nikita Khrushchev was appointed as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, succeeding Georgy Malenkov. Khrushchev’s appointment marked a significant shift in Soviet leadership during the early years of the Cold War.

Khrushchev’s rise to power on September 14 signaled a change in Soviet domestic and foreign policies. His tenure would later be characterized by both confrontational and cooperative approaches with the West, influencing global geopolitics. Khrushchev’s leadership played a key role in shaping the dynamics of the Cold War era.

Shostakovich Joins Communists (1960)

On September 14, 1960, Dmitri Shostakovich, the renowned Soviet composer, officially became a member of the Communist Party of the USSR. Shostakovich’s decision to join the party was seen as both a personal and professional maneuver in the context of Soviet politics and cultural policies.

Shostakovich’s membership on September 14 was significant in understanding his complex relationship with the Soviet regime. While his work often navigated the delicate balance between artistic expression and political expectations, joining the Communist Party was a strategic choice that influenced his career and the reception of his music within the Soviet Union.

Presidential Medal of Freedom (1964)

On September 14, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to journalist Walter Lippmann. This prestigious honor recognized Lippmann’s influential contributions to journalism and his role in shaping public discourse on critical issues.

The presentation of the Medal of Freedom on September 14 highlighted Lippmann’s impact on American journalism and political thought. His work as a public intellectual and commentator helped to inform and engage the public on significant national and international matters, solidifying his legacy as a leading voice in American media.

Presidential Medal of Freedom (1964)

On the same day, September 14, 1964, Walt Disney was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This recognition celebrated Disney’s immense contributions to the entertainment industry and his impact on American culture through his innovations in animation and theme parks.

The award ceremony on September 14 honored Disney’s pioneering work in creating beloved characters and films that have left a lasting legacy. Disney’s influence extended beyond entertainment, shaping the cultural landscape and leaving an enduring mark on the American imagination.

Conclusion

The events of September 14 span a diverse array of historical moments, from artistic milestones and political changes to technological advancements and personal achievements. Each of these occurrences reflects the multifaceted nature of history and its impact on shaping the world. The significance of September 14 in history underscores the varied ways in which this date has contributed to the ongoing narrative of human progress and cultural development.