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March 02, 2008
Baghdad by the Bay #9
The Chieftain is a 103-foot topsail ketch similar to Spanish ships of the 18th Century, and the Lady Washington at 112-feet is a full scale replica of a ship built in the British colony of Massachusetts in the 1750s. The two ships operate off the west coast of the U.S. stopping at ports, giving ship tours and taking enthusiasts and school children on day sails.
I think that sailboats are pretty cool, and if they are square-rigged that is a big plus. So when I was "accosted" while walking home from the Farmers Market by a young man dressed in 18th Century seafaring garb who was talking about free tall ship tours, I detoured out to the Pier 40 dock and had a look at the two ships. I was smitten and spent close to 45 minutes poking around and talking with the crew.
One of the most popular activities is a "Battle Sail." Each ship is "armed" with small cannon which are charged with blank powder charges. When the two ships go out for a day sail they have a mock battle and try to "sink" one-another by firing their cannon. It's loud and full of impressive white smoke, but there aren't any chains or canon balls involved and everyone comes home to "fight" again. This is what happens most places. However, it seems it is illegal to fire a blank cannon in San Francisco, so the Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain must sail across the bay to Oakland to have their "Battle."
I burst out laughing when I heard this. It is so like San Francisco, a city ruled by the insane, trying to forget its maritime history and debt to the U.S. Navy. Although I hadn't heard this bit of news before, I wasn't at all surprised. I wonder if sailing regattas can use a starting gun?
Posted by Paul at March 2, 2008 06:02 PM | San Francisco & California