Tag: tall ships

Sun and moon create magic over San Diego.

As a nearly full moon rises above downtown San Diego, light from the falling sun reflects from windows and two beautiful Maritime Museum of San Diego tall ships.
As a nearly full moon rises above downtown San Diego, light from the falling sun reflects from windows and two beautiful Maritime Museum of San Diego tall ships.

As the sun slowly set, a nearly full moon rose. Both cast their magic this evening over San Diego. I took some photos during a quiet walk along the Embarcadero, which included a visit to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. I then turned east on Broadway and made my way into downtown as night overtook another day.

The moon rises behind a large American flag at the stern of the Star of India.
The moon rises behind a large American flag at the stern of the Star of India.
Photo of a magical moment as water glows brightly. Red light reflects from the hull of the Star of India just as the sun is about to set.
Photo of a magical moment.  Rippling water glows red. Light reflects from the hull of the Star of India just as the sun is about to set.
The sun is ready to set behind Point Loma. Photo taken through the rigging of HMS Surprise, one of several amazing tall ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
The sun is ready to set behind Point Loma. Photo taken through the rigging of HMS Surprise, one of several amazing tall ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Sunset across San Diego Bay.
Sunset across San Diego Bay.
A helicopter flies over San Diego Bay just moments after the sun has set.
A helicopter flies over San Diego Bay just moments after the sun has set.
A nearly full moon rises slowly above downtown San Diego a few minutes before darkness falls.
A nearly full moon rises slowly above downtown San Diego a few minutes before darkness falls.
Early evening magic touches the San Diego skyline.
Early evening magic touches the San Diego skyline.

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Amazing, beautiful tall ships visit San Diego!

Tall ship Californian fires a cannon toward the Maritime Museum of San Diego during the 2016 Festival of Sail!
Tall ship Californian fires a cannon toward the Maritime Museum of San Diego during the 2016 Festival of Sail!

I took a fair number of photos at the 2016 Festival of Sail today. The celebration of tall ships, which takes place at the Maritime Museum of San Diego during Labor Day weekend, is just as wonderful as ever. I suppose I’m biased. I’ve always loved tales of the sea and stories of rugged souls who have embarked on journeys of discovery.

The Festival of Sail this year includes 19 ships.  Many have arrived for this event from locations up and down the West Coast.

I blogged about the annual Festival of Sail the last couple of years, so this time I won’t provide heaps of information. Just a sense of what it’s like to wander among the beautiful and amazing ships, and to watch them out sailing on San Diego Bay. Remember–this awesome event continues through Labor Day!

The 2016 Festival of Sail includes dueling tall ships out on San Diego Bay. Here we see Californian and Bill of Rights maneuvering to fire some broadsides.
The 2016 Festival of Sail includes dueling tall ships out on San Diego Bay. Here we see Californian and Bill of Rights maneuvering to fire some broadsides.
Out on the big bay and along the Embarcadero, many beautiful sailing ships are part of this year's annual Festival of Sail in San Diego.
Out on the Big Bay and along the Embarcadero, many beautiful sailing ships are part of this year’s annual Festival of Sail in San Diego.
Mister Mac, that notorious pirate, has descended on San Diego with two rascally accomplices to wreak havoc.
Mister Mac, that notorious pirate, has descended on San Diego with two rascally accomplices to wreak havoc.
The tall ship Spirit of Dana Point is a replica of a 1770s privateer used during the American Revolution. It is based at the Ocean Institute up the coast in Dana Point, California.
The tall ship Spirit of Dana Point is a replica of a 1770s privateer used during the American Revolution. It is based at the Ocean Institute up the coast in Dana Point, California.
Figurehead of the Spirit of Dana Point is a Native American female.
Figurehead of the Spirit of Dana Point is a Native American female.
The graceful brigantines Exy Johnson and Irving Johnson have returned for this year's Festival of Sail. They are based at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute.
The graceful brigantines Exy Johnson and Irving Johnson have returned for this year’s Festival of Sail. They are based at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute.
Volunteer crewmember aboard the Exy Johnson tells a visitor about the complex workings of a tall ship with many sails.
Volunteer crewmember aboard the Exy Johnson tells a visitor about the complex workings of an amazing tall ship with many sails.
Visitors to the 2016 Festival of Sail in San Diego learned about history and experienced a bit of what life is like aboard a tall ship.
Visitors to the 2016 Festival of Sail in San Diego learned about maritime history and experienced a little of what life might have been like sailing across the broad ocean on a tall ship long ago.
These Royal Marines belong to the HMS Surprise, docked just behind them. They're enjoying a bit of grog. Don't tell the captain!
These Royal Marines belong to the HMS Surprise, docked just behind them. They’re enjoying a bit of grog. Don’t tell the captain!
Visitor standing on the newly rebuilt poop deck of the Star of India rings the historic ship's bell. The wheel has been removed for refurbishment. The nearby binnacle and wooden benches will also be made like new!
Visitor standing on the newly rebuilt poop deck of the Star of India rings the historic ship’s bell. The wheel has been removed for refurbishment. The nearby binnacle and wooden benches will also be made like new!
The Tiama and Cloudia were docked side by side not far from the Maritime Museum of San Diego during the 2016 Festival of Sail.
The Tiama and Cloudia were docked side by side not far from the Maritime Museum of San Diego during the 2016 Festival of Sail.
The Cloudia is an old wooden Norwegian top-sail ketch recently restored in San Diego. It is available for local sailing trips.
The Cloudia is an old wooden Norwegian top-sail ketch recently restored in San Diego. I believe it is available for local sailing trips.
There is so much to look at and explore! What's down below the deck?
There is so much to look at and explore! What’s down below the deck?
Docked behind the Maritime Museum's steam ferry Berkeley, the galleon replica San Salvador made its public debut during the 2016 Festival of Sail.
Docked behind the Maritime Museum’s steam ferry Berkeley, the galleon replica San Salvador made its public debut during the 2016 Festival of Sail.
Visitors line up to have a chance to go aboard San Salvador for the very first time.
Visitors line up to have a chance to go aboard San Salvador for the very first time.
Looking up at masts, a crow's nest, and a flag of the Spanish Empire while waiting to board the San Salvador. This ship is an approximate replica of what Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed in when he discovered San Diego Bay in 1542.
Looking up at masts, a crow’s nest, and a flag of the Spanish Empire while waiting to board the San Salvador. This ship is an approximate replica of what Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed in when he discovered San Diego Bay in 1542.
A park ranger from Cabrillo National Monument, across the bay on Point Loma, talks to visitors about the history of the San Salvador and the difficulties of sailing long ago.
A park ranger from Cabrillo National Monument, across the bay on Point Loma, talks to visitors about the history of the actual San Salvador and the difficulties of sailing long ago.
Once aboard the San Salvador, we were permitted to explore the main deck and enclosed areas at either end. It's hard to believe, but during the journey of exploration in 1542, over 100 men occupied a similarly small deck!
Once aboard the replica San Salvador, we were permitted to explore the main deck and enclosed areas at either end. It’s hard to believe, but during the journey of exploration in 1542, over 100 men occupied a similarly tiny deck!
Ropes and a bombard tucked away inside the forward part of the galleon San Salvador.
Ropes and a bombard tucked away inside the forward part of the galleon San Salvador.
Exhibits on the San Salvador replica galleon include a crude narrow dining table and armor used by Spanish conquistadors.
Exhibits on the San Salvador replica galleon include a crude narrow dining table and armor used by Spanish conquistadors.
Out at the end of the Maritime Museum of San Diego's dock, three cannons are prepared to be fired!
Out at the end of the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s dock, three cannons are prepared to be fired!
Boom!
Boom!
Californian sails in toward its docking place near the San Salvador. More cannon battles out on San Diego Bay will take place all Labor Day weekend!
Californian sails in toward its docking place near the San Salvador. More cannon battles out on San Diego Bay will take place all Labor Day weekend!

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Getting ready for two epic Labor Day events!

Getting ready for the 2016 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo at the B Street Pier. A sand sculpture will soon rise here to welcome Labor Day crowds along the Embarcadero.
Getting ready for the 2016 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo at the B Street Pier. A cool sand sculpture will soon appear here to welcome passing Labor Day crowds on the Embarcadero.

Two epic events are coming to San Diego’s Embarcadero this coming Labor Day weekend! The 2016 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo, which will take place near the Cruise Ship Terminal on the B Street Pier, and the 2016 Festival of Sail, which will take place at and around the Maritime Museum of San Diego!

I’ve blogged about both amazing annual events the past couple years. The sand sculptures, created by some of the best sand artists in the entire world, are utterly mind-blowing. The tall ships are a feast not only for the eyes, but for the senses once you step aboard.

I took a slow easy walk along the Embarcadero a short while ago and snapped a few pics of very early preparation for both events. If I feel well enough next weekend, expect to see lots of super cool photos from both epic Labor Day weekend events!

One of several U.S. Navy floating docks has been set in position near the Maritime Museum of San Diego, in preparation for the 2016 Festival of Sail.
One of several U.S. Navy floating docks has been set in position near the Maritime Museum of San Diego, in preparation for visiting tall ships at the 2016 Festival of Sail.
Californian, official tall ship of California, will participate in the 2016 Festival of Sail this coming Labor Day weekend. Right now it's docked at the Maritime Museum.
Californian, the official tall ship of California, will participate in the 2016 Festival of Sail this coming Labor Day weekend. Right now she is docked at the Maritime Museum, her home.
Gaff-rigged topsail schooner Bill of Rights, based in South Bay's Chula Vista, will be one of many amazing tall ships participating this year in the Festival of Sail.
Gaff-rigged topsail schooner Bill of Rights, based in South Bay’s Chula Vista, will be one of many amazing tall ships participating this year in the Festival of Sail. I spotted it cruising across San Diego Bay today.
Visitor to the Maritime Museum of San Diego sits peacefully on a bench near the aft of the 1904 steam yacht Medea. Big crowds will arrive on Labor Day weekend!
Visitor to the Maritime Museum of San Diego sits peacefully on a bench near the aft of the 1904 steam yacht Medea. Big crowds will arrive here on Labor Day weekend!
The 2016 Festival of Sail takes place Labor Day weekend on the Embarcadero. If you are in San Diego and love historical ships, you must go!
The 2016 Festival of Sail takes place Labor Day weekend on the Embarcadero. If you are in San Diego and love historical ships, you must go!

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Deck replacement has begun on historic Star of India.

San Diego's famous Star of India--the oldest active sailing ship in the world--is having its decks replaced. First up is the poop deck. Work has just begun.
San Diego’s famous Star of India–the oldest active sailing ship in the world–is having its decks replaced. First up is the poop deck. Work has just begun.

Today I boarded the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s world-famous Star of India. The lady in the ticket booth informed me that the deck replacement began about a week or so ago!

You might remember I blogged about the Star of India’s deck replacement effort here.  Click the link to check out that post, and you can see how the poop deck appeared before work began.

A nice docent allowed me to walk up the steps almost to the poop deck so I could get a good photograph. As you can see, the first section of the deck has been removed. I also noted that the saloon underneath has been carefully converted into a work area.

Do you love history or San Diego? Please click here to help with this very important project!

The historic ship's elegant salon has become a work area during the deck replacement.
The historic ship’s elegant saloon has become a work area during the deck replacement.
Gazing up through a big hole in the ceiling! The new, stronger deck will be built using sophisticated techniques and modern materials, but it will visually appear like the original.
Gazing up through a big hole in the ceiling! The new, stronger deck will be built using sophisticated techniques and modern materials, but it will visually appear like the original.

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Sunset paints the sky above Maritime Museum.

The catamaran Aolani sails behind the Maritime Museum of San Diego just before sunset.
The catamaran Aolani sails behind the Maritime Museum of San Diego just before sunset.

A few photos from my short walk after work. I strolled along the Embarcadero and visited the Maritime Museum of San Diego, one of my favorite places. The sun was setting…

Tourists walk among many historic boats and ships behind the USS Berkeley. The racing sloop Butcher Boy is over a hundred years old. It sailed rapidly out on the bay, always first to provide fresh provisions to visiting ships.
Tourists walk among many historic boats and ships behind the steam ferry Berkeley. The racing sloop Butcher Boy is over a hundred years old. It sailed rapidly out on the bay, always first to provide fresh provisions to visiting ships.
School students learn about how to handle an oar, before heading out on San Diego Bay in a museum longboat.
School students learn how to handle an oar, before heading out on San Diego Bay in a museum longboat.
Sun falls behind picturesque deck and rigging of HMS Surprise.
Sun gently falls behind the picturesque deck and rigging of HMS Surprise.
A winter sunset paints the sky behind the B-39 Soviet submarine and masts of historic tall ships including the Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
A winter sunset paints the sky behind the B-39 Soviet submarine and the masts of several ships, including Californian, San Salvador and America.
HMS Surprise, steam ferry Berkeley, and a beautiful sky.
HMS Surprise, steam ferry Berkeley, and a beautiful sky.
A soft sunset and still water. Nightfall on San Diego Bay.
A soft sunset and still water. Nightfall on San Diego Bay.

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Volunteers preserve history at Maritime Museum.

Volunteers at the Maritime Museum of San Diego haul a rope on the deck of Star of India to help raise a protective tarp above the historic ship.
Volunteers at the Maritime Museum of San Diego haul a rope on the deck of Star of India to help raise a protective tarp above the historic ship.

Sunday is volunteer work day at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Anyone walking along the Embarcadero or visiting the museum can watch history being preserved by energetic volunteers. You can see them pulling ropes, painting masts, scraping, polishing, sweeping and just generally doing all those things necessary to maintain historic old ships.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego could always use new volunteers! No experience required! You mostly work out on the sparkling water, in the sunshine, with senses full of invigorating smells, sights and sounds. And know what? You become a part of history!

Large plastic canopies are being installed on the Star of India to protect her from rain during the upcoming deck restoration.
Large plastic canopies are being installed on the Star of India to protect her from rain during the upcoming deck restoration.
The Star of India's re-decking project is being supported in part by a National Maritime Heritage grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
The Star of India’s re-decking project is being supported in part by a National Maritime Heritage grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Another volunteer works near the bow of the historic tall ship. Downtown San Diego's skyline provides a gleaming backdrop.
Another volunteer works near the bow of the historic tall ship. Downtown San Diego’s skyline provides a gleaming backdrop.
These guys are working above the forward house near the foremast.
These guys are working above the forward house near the foremast.
A mast of the HMS Surprise has been scraped and coated with primer. Now some paint will preserve this amazing tall ship used in the movie Master and Commander.
A mast of the HMS Surprise has been scraped and coated with primer. Now some paint will preserve this amazing tall ship used in the movie Master and Commander.
Another yard to be installed on the San Salvador by crane awaits on the Embarcadero. This heavy yard with sails furled will be supported by the replica Spanish galleon's foremast.
Another yard to be installed on the San Salvador by crane awaits on the Embarcadero. This heavy yard with sails furled will be supported by the replica Spanish galleon’s foremast.
Volunteering for the Maritime Museum of San Diego can be very satisfying. Are you free on Sundays.
Volunteering for the Maritime Museum of San Diego can be very satisfying. Are you free on Sundays?

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Amazing art in San Diego: Classic paintings of ships!

Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894. This very special exhibit can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894. This very special exhibit can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego!

Do you love breathtaking works of fine art? Are you fascinated by 19th century history? Do you like to feast your eyes on beautiful tall ships, sailing yachts and ocean scenery? There’s a special exhibit in San Diego that you positively must see!

I was surprised to discover that the Maritime Museum of San Diego, located downtown on the Embarcadero, is featuring a fantastic exhibit of marine art masterpieces by the famous painter James Edward Buttersworth. Buttersworth is considered to be one of the most important painters of the nineteenth century. His portraits of tall ships, racing yachts, steamships and other vessels from that era are beautiful works of genius, resplendent with light, energy and grace. About 600 of his classic paintings exist today, and the Maritime Museum has 24 amazing examples on display!

The exhibition is titled “Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894.”  The collected paintings, on loan from Mystic Seaport until May 31, 2016, are so dynamic, detailed and glowing with beauty, they’ll make a permanent impression in your mind. His images of sky and sea are realistic and alive. Colors are rich and subtle; stormy waters seem to spray off a painted canvas; white sails shine. Several paintings depict yachts racing together, engaged in historic competitions that include the America’s Cup, an event that became important in San Diego’s more recent past.

Another interesting aspect of the exhibition is the inclusion of a modern Buttersworth forgery by Ken Perenyi. Visitors to the museum can become a detective, and do their best to uncover the cleverly made fake!

Go enjoy this exhibit of rare, fantastic paintings, then prepare to spend a good hour or two exploring the many historic ships owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. You’ll find yourself within a magical world. A world that gently floats upon shining water, alive with history, adventure, beauty and wonder!

Among the classic maritime paintings of world-famous artist James E. Butterworth is a forgery. Visitors to the museum are challenged to spot it!
Among the classic maritime paintings of world-famous artist James E. Butterworth is a forgery. Visitors to the museum are challenged to spot it!
Truly stunning works of art on display inside the steam ferryboat USS Berkeley, hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Truly stunning works of art on display inside the steam ferryboat Berkeley, hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Illuminating the Sea, James E. Butterworth, oil on canvas. Magic, schooner of New York Yacht Club, winner of the America's Cup in 1870. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Illuminating the Sea, James E. Butterworth, oil on canvas. Magic, schooner of New York Yacht Club, winner of the America’s Cup in 1870. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
In addition to this world-class art, the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a vast collection of nautical objects. It is a must-see destination for those interested in our city's rich history.
In addition to this world-class art, the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a vast collection of nautical objects. It is a must-see destination for those interested in our city’s rich history.

Here are a couple bonus photographs!  I took them this morning during a short walk before heading to work!

Museum volunteers gather around a ship's yard, which would soon be lifted by crane onto the nearly-completed Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
Museum volunteers gather around a ship’s yard.  It would soon be lifted by crane onto the nearly-completed Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
Tall ships San Salvador and Californian docked behind the USS Berkeley. Just a few of the fascinating ships you can visit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Tall ships San Salvador and Californian docked behind the Berkeley. Just a few of the fascinating ships you can visit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

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Pirate sneaks onto tall ship, begins cannon battle.

A smiling, innocent-looking pirate just walks along. People suspect nothing.
A smiling, innocent-looking pirate just walks along. People suspect nothing.

Did I actually see what I thought I saw?

Two tall ships were scheduled to have a mock cannon battle today on San Diego Bay. The reenactment was to be between the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s replica Revenue Cutter Californian (the official tall ship of the State of California) and the Lady Washington, a tall ship visiting from the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority.

What happened?

Pirates!

Two very rascally pirates!

Read the photo captions and tell me where I am wrong!

Visitors to the Maritime Museum of San Diego have boarded the tall ship Californian, to engage in a mock cannon battle with visiting tall ship Lady Washington.
Visitors to the Maritime Museum of San Diego have boarded the tall ship Californian, to engage in a mock cannon battle with visiting tall ship Lady Washington.
In case you want to learn a bit more about Californian's sails and rigging, click this photo. Unfortunately, pirates know all about this stuff.
In case you want to learn a bit more about Californian’s sails and rigging, click this photo. Unfortunately, pirates know all about this stuff.
Notorious Captain Swordfish, that pirate who makes Blackbeard look perfectly civilized, comes striding along. He must have an evil scheme in mind.
Notorious Captain Swordfish, that pirate who makes Blackbeard look perfectly civilized, comes striding along. He must have another evil scheme in mind.
Captain Swordfish makes a scene, distracting those who are boarding the Lady Washington. Nobody notices what that first innocent-looking pirate is up to.
Captain Swordfish makes a crazy scene, distracting those who are boarding the Lady Washington. Nobody notices what that first innocent-looking pirate is up to.
That first pirate has taken control of Californian! It's heading out into San Diego Bay while a museum employee's back is turned!
That first pirate has taken control of Californian! It’s heading out into San Diego Bay while a museum employee’s back is turned!
Turn around! Turn around! That rascal is stealing your ship!
Turn around! Turn around! That rascal is stealing your ship!
The Californian comes about and launches an attack on the Maritime Museum! The insolence! Deadly cannons thunder and echo throughout downtown San Diego!
The Californian comes about and launches an attack on the Maritime Museum! The insolence! Deadly cannons thunder and echo throughout downtown San Diego!
Oh, dear! Oh, dear!
Oh, dear! Oh, dear!
The Maritime Museum employee quickly loads one of the land battery cannons, and gets ready to fire! That pirate won't get away so easily!
The Maritime Museum employee quickly loads one of the land battery cannons, and gets ready to fire! That pirate won’t get away so easily!
An epic battle begins!
An epic battle begins!

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World-famous ship Star of India needs YOUR help!

Decks don't last forever. Our Star's decks have reached the end of their lifetime and now Star of India is in need of YOUR help.
Decks don’t last forever. Our Star’s decks have reached the end of their lifetime and now Star of India is in need of YOUR help.

The Star of India is one of the most famous and important historic ships afloat. Built in 1863, she’s the oldest active sailing vessel in the world and the oldest iron-hulled merchant ship still on the water. She has sailed twenty-one times around the world, surviving the tempests of Cape Horn. She has been caught in a devastating cyclone, trapped in Alaskan ice, and even went aground in Hawaii. She still plies the Pacific Ocean with a volunteer crew. And her hull, cabins and equipment are almost completely original.

So it isn’t surprising the deck needs a bit of help.

The Star of India needs YOUR help!

Why should you help? Read this amazing message from the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s website:

“…Our museum is working as part of an international effort to see Star of India inscribed, along with other great historic ships, by UNESCO as a multi-national world heritage site. Like the Parthenon, the Pyramids, and the Great Wall of China, such a distinction would…see that she lives forever.”

Wow!

Right now, the main deck and poop deck need replacing. The wooden decks have come to the end of their lifetime. The Star of India “was recently awarded a $192,000 National Parks Service Maritime Heritage Grant, one of very few such awards and a testimony to both her historical significance and to the viability of the project for extending her life. However, these funds are available to Star of India only if they are matched by an equal amount contributed by those who love her and want to see her sail for generations to come.”

With YOUR contribution, you can become part of an eternal legacy and help to preserve an important part of world (and San Diego) history. That’s big, very important stuff!

Please visit this webpage to learn how YOU can help!

Looking along the length of the main deck of Star of India. Deck replacement is needed and so is the generous help of the public.
Looking along the length of the main deck of Star of India. Deck replacement is needed and so is the generous help of the public.
Parts of the wooden deck are in pretty bad shape. Time, shoes, salt, sun and rain have taken their toll.
Parts of the wooden deck are in pretty bad shape. Feet, salt, sun and rain have taken their toll.
The Star of India is a National Historic Landmark. The oldest active sailing ship in the world, it's a treasured part of San Diego and world history.
The Star of India is a National Historic Landmark. The oldest active sailing ship in the world, it’s a treasured part of San Diego and world history.
Visitors descend from the poop deck. Beautiful woodwork is found all about the ship. But the elements can be harsh.
Visitors descend from the poop deck. Beautiful woodwork is found all about the ship. But the elements can be harsh.
A very old photo of Star of India's launching day in 1863. Originally it was named Euterpe.
A very old photo of Star of India’s launching day in 1863. Originally it was named Euterpe.
Photo of Euterpe, later renamed Star of India, docked at Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand in 1883.
Photo of Euterpe, later renamed Star of India, docked at Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand in 1883.
Exquisite section of the stained glass skylight in the teak and oak paneled salon of the Star of India.
Exquisite section of the stained glass skylight in the teak and oak paneled saloon of the Star of India.
Peeking into Star of India's forward house, which contains ropes, tools and instruments which were necessary to maintain and operate the ship.
Peeking into Star of India’s forward house, which contains ropes, tools and instruments which were necessary to maintain and operate the tall ship.
I believe that long timber supported by the forward house and forecastle is the top section of the foremast, which is being refurbished. But I might be mistaken.
I believe that long timber supported by the forward house and forecastle is the top section of the foremast, which is being refurbished. But I might be mistaken.
The Star of India's steering wheel and binnacle on the poop deck.
The Star of India’s steering wheel and binnacle on the poop deck.
The Star of India needs your help! Donate today to help replace the deck, and to preserve this amazing ship for generations to come.
The Star of India needs YOUR help! Donate today to help replace the deck, and to preserve this amazing ship for generations to come.

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Clouds like a dream, above tall ships and palm trees.

Tall ships under beautifully streaked clouds on a late December day in San Diego.
Like delicate magic . . . beautifully streaked clouds on a late December day.

Did you see the fantastic clouds above San Diego’s Embarcadero today? They seemed to be made out of fragile, swirling dreams. They magically appeared in our blue sky, painted above tall ships and palm trees.

Just in case you didn’t see, here are two cool pics!

Amazing clouds above San Diego's Embarcadero.
Fantastic clouds above tall ships and palm trees on San Diego’s Embarcadero.

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