Sail Alongside The Oldest Active Ship In The World During This Southern California Celebration
By Natasha Kayes|Published November 07, 2023
×
Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
We have a lot of museums in Southern California – modern art, natural history, science and technology, classic cars, you name it. However, I think one of the most unique and interactive museums in the state sits right on the water. This year, the one-of-a-kind museum is the starting point for an incredible sailing adventure in San Diego, CA.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego was founded in 1948 and is one of the country’s largest collections of historic seafaring vessels, including sail, steam, and submarine. Visitors enjoy exploring exhibits on every boat as well as on-the-water adventures.
The star of the show at the Maritime Museum is without a doubt the 1863 Star of India, an iron-hulled ship that was originally built in 1863 in Ramsey, Isle of Man. Star of India is the world’s oldest active sailing ship.
This year marks the Star of India’s 160th year and the Maritime Museum of San Diego is hosting an epic Commemorative Companion Sail on November 11 and 12, 2023. It has been five years since this stunning piece of history set sail, so this is for sure a unique experience.
The sailing celebration offers the opportunity to sail aboard one of three incredible ships alongside Star of India as she leaves the museum and heads for the open ocean.
The Californian is a replica of a gold rush-era ship from 1847 and was first launched for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Californian is now the official tall ship of the State of California.
The amazing San Salvador feels the most like a journey to the past. It was built in 2015 by the Maritime Museum as an accurate representation of a historically significant ship of the same name that first arrived in San Diego in 1542.
While not officially part of the Museum collection, the 136-foot schooner known as Bill of Rights is a spectacular tall ship that will join the Companion Sail.
An on-board historian will sail aboard each ship to help guests understand the unique Star of India, the history of all of these beautiful ships, and the Museum itself. Tickets for the day sail include lunch, snacks, soft drinks, water, and a cash bar for guests over 21.
The Star of India Commemorative Companion Sail will be an unforgettable adventure on the water. Have you ever visited the historic Maritime Museum in San Diego? Would you like to be part of this 160th-year celebration? Find out more about the event on the Maritime Museum of San Diego website. You can also keep up with news and events on the Maritime Museum of San Diego Facebook page. Planning to spend the entire weekend in San Diego? Book a stay right on the water for a perfectly picturesque weekend.
