Amazing Grace

[rpcrowe]

Amazing Grace is a topsail schooner and is a traditional American sailing craft. These were the small vessels that fought the British in our War of Independence and again in 1812, both as ships of the U.S. Navy and as privateers. The rigging is complex and logical, having evolved over the last two hundred years.

Note the 13-star U.S. Flag and the Pine Tree. "An Appeal To Heaven" white ensign along with the five gun ports on each side...

This reproduction of the original Amazing Grace is a participant in San Diego's Festival of Sail. She was built in San Diego, California in 1989.

The background shown is the skyline of San Diego and the large hangar aboard Naval Air Station North Island (image right). This type hangar once housed seaplanes but are now used for the Navy's helicopter squadrons.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[Wandjina]

A great, bright photo, Richard and a lovely ship. I assume it is all timber as the original one would have been.

[Mike Buckley]

Wonderful photo on a drop-dead gorgeous day and an equally appealing narrative.

[rpcrowe]

Unfortunately there were virtually no clouds to enhance the sky. Additionally, my camera position resulted in mostly backlit ships until they passed me. Then the lighting direction was good but the ships were sailing away from me. Luckily, I was able to catch this ship in a tack with the wind billowing out the flag...

This year, we didn't have any IMO really impressive vessels. Several years ago, this event attracted three large Baval training ships:
Coast Guard Barque Eagle ( https://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/wixtrain.asp )
Chilean Training Ship Esmeralda ( https://www.google.com/search?q=chil...WJRlh5BYC4k%3D )
Portuguese Training Ship Sagres ( https://www.google.com/search?q=port...eNvJEDVxPFo%3D )
These magnificent square rigged ships sailed into the harbor with their crews in white uniforms manning the rails and the rigging.
Yesterday's Parade of Sails was pretty meek in comparison with those of earlier times...

Even the reproduction of the San Salvador, Juan Cabrillo's flagship aboard which he discovered San Diego in 1542 was a bit boring. Although the San Salvador was constructed in San Diego using period tools and shipbuilding methods, she has been equipped with engines and sailed in the parade under motor power with no sails.



Californian, Topsail Schooner, Replica of 1847 Revenue Cutter.



Brig Pilgrim, Replica of ship made famous in book by Richard Henry Dana, Jr., "Two Years Before the Mast"

[IzzieK]

Great shots...I missed living in San Diego...there are always something interesting to photograph there.

[bnnrcn]

Great series, thanks for sharing