Amazing Vessel: The Pride Of Baltimore II Celebrates 25th Anniversary
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One of Baltimore's most iconic landmarks, the Pride of Baltimore II is celebrating its 25th birthday. The clipper ship was born out of tragedy when Pride I sank and killed four crew members in the 1980s.
Since then, Pride II has been all over the world representing Baltimore.
Kai Jackson has more on the celebration.
This anniversary commemorates the triumphs and tragedies in the Pride's sailing history.
The majestic Pride of Baltimore II is a replica of the amazing vessels that sailed the globe in the 19th century. Friday night, the crew and fans of the Pride celebrated its 25th anniversary.
"I cannot believe it's been around 25 years. I had my son and my nephew on the Pride several years ago. We toured it here in the harbor. It was lovely," said Doreen Desa, fan.
The Pride II is a schooner -- a nearly 100-foot vessel built for speed. As sailboats go, it's the equivalent of a Ferrari on the water.
Though a civilian vessel, during wartime, these American ships, most of them built in Baltimore, were used to steal freight from enemies.
"At the end of the 1812 war, Baltimore built boats, or Maryland built boats, captured more than 50 percent of all private captures of the war. So that's why the British came. That's why we have our National Anthem -- it's because of the boats we built," said Captain Jan Miles, Pride of Baltimore II.
Over the past 25 years, the crew of the Pride of Baltimore II has navigated some 250,000 nautical miles around the globe, educating the world about the maritime history of Maryland and America.
The Pride of Baltimore II was launched in 1988. It was born out of the tragic loss of the first Pride of Baltimore. That ship capsized in a squall at sea 250 miles north of Puerto Rico. Four of 12 crew members died, yet the horrible event gave life to a new boat -- the Pride II.
It costs a little more than $1 million a year to operate the Pride.
Next year, the Pride will take part in numerous activities commemorating the War of 1812.
Other Local News:
