Pride Of Baltimore II Prepares For 5-Month Journey
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Pride is back in Charm City. That's right. The Pride of Baltimore II sailed into the Inner Harbor on Wednesday.
Mike Schuh is on board the Pride with a look at its history and future.
The Pride of Baltimore was a nickname given to a Fells Point schooner, which captured British war and merchant ships.
The current Pride lives a much more peaceful life. In fact, she sails the world, inviting people to come visit her namesake.
This year it will travel on a five-month voyage along the East Coast, Great Lakes and to the British Empire, Canada, to talk about defeating the British in the War of 1812.
"We have Fells Point, the Maryland Historical Society, Fort McHenry," said Jeff Buchheit, Baltimore National Heritage Area. "When you come to Baltimore, you're not just coming to see the Pride of Baltimore, you're coming to see the whole cast of characters."
Those characters were instrumental in winning a war that resulted in a little ditty we now call the National Anthem—a song penned right here in Maryland. Well, actually in the waters off Ft. McHenry.
These are the things the crew reminds all those visitors who come to see the Pride. She's a ship from a different time-- part advertisement, part museum, and 100 percent goodwill ambassador.
"Baltimore is not just another city," said Captain Jan C. Miles. "Hey, that's the home of the Pride of Baltimore."
A bit of Baltimore will sail into 25 ports this summer and fall.
The ship leaves Monday at 9 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. , the boat will exchange cannon fire with Fort McHenry.
There are opportunities to sail aboard the Pride on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They offer overnight sails during this cruise as the ship sails between ports of call.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
