Pride of Baltimre II – Tall Ship Photography on Narragansett Bay
I had left the house for some Tall Ship photography, and soon found myself standing on a military site that dates back to the Revolutionary War, and staring out into Narragansett Bay at the replica of a Baltimore Clipper from the War of 1812. I found myself surrounded by history and wondering not just what day it was, but what century it was! I was at historic Fort Wetherill on the small island of Jamestown, which sits at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. The gun battery immediately behind me sits atop cliffs that tower up to 100 feet tall and overlook the East Passage into Newport Harbor. This spot affords one of the very best views of the marine traffic that moves in and out of Newport, and is a favorite spot for folks to view the Tall Ships as they sail in and out of Newport, Rhode Island.
The Pride of Baltimore II – Newport, Rhode Island
While the Tall Ships Festival had not officially started, I had heard that the ships would be sailing into Newport Harbor during the day before the festival started. Knowing this would be a great opportunity for photography, I packed up my camera, and headed down to a spot along Narragansett Bay for the afternoon. Unfortunately, I arrived rather late in the day and missed the majority of the tall ships sailing in, however I was fortunate to see one vessel, and I can only say one word: breathtaking! For those first few moments that I saw her I did not even take a photograph, I just stood there and admired her beauty!
The Pride of Baltimore II – Newport, Rhode Island
The single tall ship that I did see on my trip to Jamestown was the Pride of Baltimore II. Launched in 1988, with a total length of 157 feet, she is a replica of a 1812-era topsail schooner. These vessels are of the type called Baltimore Clippers, and helped America win the War of 1812 and finally secure its freedom. She sails the world over with a crew of 12 showing off her beauty and providing education on the rich maritime history in the state of Maryland. The Baltimore Clipper design was known for its speed and maneuverability, enabling them to outrun the British ships that preyed on American shipping. Once hostilities between America and Britain ended, the design became obsolete due to the limited amount of cargo that they could carry.
If you get a chance to head down to see the Tall Ships, check out the Pride of Baltimore II. I am sure that you will not be disappointed!