The Star of India celebrated it's 160 year birthday in 2023.
It is the world's oldest active sailing ship.
It also has been five years since the last time it has sailed.
To celebrate, the San Diego Maritime Museum offered a two seven hour
Companion Sails over the Veteran's Day weekend where
the Star of India was accompanied by three other tall ships -
The San Salvador, the Californian, and the Bill of Rights.
They were also joined by the Hōkūleʻa
a replica of a Hawaiian voyaging canoe.
I should also mention that it was Fleet Week in San Diego.
So lots of ship activity in the harbor.
We had the opportunity to sail on the San Salvador.
It is a replica of the original 1542 Spanish Galleon
built by the Maritime Museum on Harbor Island in San Diego
using historical documents and other resources.
You may remember it from our
2014 Christmas card photo.
The Star of India was the first ship to go out.
After all it was it's birthday!
It has to be towed, as it does not have an engine.
It was followed by the Bill Of Rights,
which does has an engine, but switched
to the sails shortly after leaving the dock.
The San Salvador followed her,
followed by the Californian
Shortly after exiting the harbor,
the Star of India raised her sails.
As did the San Salvador.
The fore mast top sail is deployed.
And the fore mast bottom sail is deployed.
And now we are moving!
Passing on the side of the Star of India.
She is a beauty.
Making a tack.
Actually there were quite a few
smaller boats that accompanied
her on this trip.
The Californian,
the official tall ship of California.
The Bill of Rights,
a rigged schooner built in 1971.
The Californian and The Bill of Rights
making a pass.
Another great shot of the Star.
The Hōkūleʻa with one of the
San Clemente Islands in the background.
Prepping the canon to make a salute
Who will get the blast?
Be sure to have your fingers in your ears
when she goes off!
So that's where I left my helicopter!
Just kidding, someone must have
accidently landed it on my boat.
All in all,
a very enjoyable day at sea.