Following a five-year pause, the esteemed "Star of India," touted as the world's oldest active sailing ship, is slated to sail once more on November 11 and 12 in celebration of its 160th birthday. As reported by Fox 5 San Diego, the San Diego Maritime Museum is hosting the occasion featuring a parade at sea with historic vessels surrounding the "Star of India."
The President and CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, Raymond Ashley, highlighted the event’s importance and the sweeping support to mark the milestone. “’Star of India’ is an icon in San Diego and this birthday celebration is a day to honor all supporters, including volunteers, members, donors, staff, educators, students, partners, and the out-of-town visitors, and locals that support our mission with attendance and participation in the museum experience." as noted by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The ship has not sailed since November 2018, making the occasion eagerly awaited and a testament to a collective effort to preserve the ship.
Constructed in 1863 by Ramsey Shipyard in the Isle of Man, the "Star of India," initially christened Euterpe after the Greek muse of music and poetry, has a storied past of navigating the globe 21 times, weathering collisions, mutinies, cyclones, and various captaincies. In 1927, the ship landed in San Diego, and since then, served as a symbol of the city's maritime heritage. Locals rallied for its restoration in the early 1960s, and the boat sailed again, sailing once more in 1976, according to the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Despite the global pandemic throwing a wrench in the works, experienced sailors and excited novices alike are poised to resume the adventure. As outlined by Fox 5 San Diego, the course will initiate at San Diego Bay on November 11 and 12, extending two to three miles west of Point Loma, before the ship continues under its own power, weathering permitting.
For those wishing to participate in this milestone event, the Maritime Museum is offering a limited number of tickets, providing a day sail charter that includes lunches, snacks, water, and soft drinks. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sail aboard the 1542 Spanish galleon replica San Salvador, the state official tall ship Californian, and the 136-foot gaff-rigged schooner Bill of Rights.
