Introduction
There’s nothing like the feeling of being on a tall ship. As the wind blows through your hair, you can enjoy the sensation of being at one with the water. And if you’re lucky enough to board one of these majestic vessels, you’ll feel like you’re living in a different time altogether. Here are seven spectacular tall ships that we’d love to visit:
Lady Washington
The Lady Washington is built in 1787, and measures 110 feet long. The ship can hold up to 100 passengers, and has a crew of 30 people. It cruised the west coast of North America from 1787 until 1803 when it was put into storage in Massachusetts. In 1975, the vessel was purchased by the American Maritime Foundation which began restoring it to its original condition (it took them 11 years). Today, she’s docked in San Diego’s Maritime Museum of San Diego where you can visit her during regular business hours or take a tour at your leisure!
HMS Surprise
HMS Surprise is a replica of a Royal Navy frigate. It was built to scale with the original ship, and it can be boarded. The ship has been featured in several movies, including Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End. It is based in San Diego, California and is operated by HMS Surprise Incorporated.
HMS Bounty
Built in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada and launched in 1960, HMS Bounty is a replica of the original HMS Bounty. The famous ship was made famous by its crew’s mutiny against their captain and subsequent trial by court martial.
The ship was used most famously during filming of the 1962 film Mutiny on the Bounty starring Marlon Brando (playing Fletcher Christian) and Trevor Howard (playing Captain Bligh). Its other film credits include Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany.
Lord Nelson
If you’re looking for a tall ship that can accommodate up to 300 passengers and is open to the public, look no further than Lord Nelson.
How do I get on board?
The best way to board this tall ship is by taking a train or subway (or bus) from central London all the way out to Greenwich Pier. From there, you’ll be taken across the river Thames in a shuttle boat, where you’ll be greeted by one of Lord Nelson’s crew who will take your ticket and show you around while another member of staff shows other passengers where they can leave their bags.
Eye of the Wind
The Eye of the Wind is a three-masted barque, built in 1914. The ship currently docked in Australia, where it serves as a tourist attraction and sail training vessel.
The Eye of the Wind was built by Royal Huisman Shipyards in the Netherlands as a replica of the original 1839 barque, which had been damaged beyond repair by a storm off Cape Horn. While she retains many features of her predecessors, she does have some changes—some structural and some aesthetic—that make her more modern than previous tall ships.
Elissa
Elissa is a four-masted steel barque built in 1877 by F.W. Wheeler & Co., Newcastle upon Tyne, UK as the Parma for R. W. Leyland & Company’s Red Star Line. Elissa is currently the oldest steel barquentine still afloat and has been restored to sailing condition again after several decades of being laid up at various locations around New England and Alaska.
Elissa can be found on the west side of Galveston Island (near Pier 21) during her stay in Texas, but if you’re looking for an adventure with a little more history behind it, she makes regular trips throughout the Caribbean Sea during winter months and summers in Canada!
There are a number of tall ships that can be boarded for a unique experience
- Where are the tall ships?
- What should I expect on board?
- How do I book a trip?
- What should I bring with me?
- When we get off the ship, what can we do next?
Conclusion
Tall ships are an unforgettable experience that can only be had by taking a tour on one of these majestic vessels. The best thing about them is how easy it is to get on-board and learn about their history. You’ll also get the chance to feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself with so many other people around you who share your passion for this type of sailing experience!