STAR OF INDIA

November 17, 2018

Majesty, and a nod to the old age of Sail. Nearly two months ago, San Diego paused and looked out on the horizon. For one day, in every five years, Star of India gets underway and sets sail out past Cabrillo Monument Point for all to see. This is a moment for the San Diego Maritime Museum to shine, as well as a chance to reflect on just how far Shipping, and innovation has progressed in the past 150 years. Star of India, built in 1863, is the oldest preserved sailing ship on record that still successfully sets sail. Even more remarkable is that her hull, cabin, and equipment are all still original. In fact, the date of her historic voyage is no accident. She was launched mid November 1863, and this year marked her 155th year. She was built at Ramsey on the Isle of Man. Originally named Euterpe, meaning muse of music, Star of India has spent her days delivering various cargo across the world. Some of her notable voyages include two rough inaugural sailings to India and getting caught in a cyclone off the Bay of Bengals – destroying her masts. She then shipped emigrants to New Zealand and Australia. Throughout her service Star of India has circumnavigated the Globe 21 times. In her final days she delivered food and fisherman between Oakland, California and Nashagak in the Bering Sea. I was really lucky to be able to witness her set sail once again. It makes a mariner like me really appreciate just how far we’ve truly come.

When in San Diego, the Maritime Museum is worth stopping by. They have many restored exhibits beyond the Star of India. First is the recognizable HMS Surprise. She is the ship used to film Master and Commander. There is the SSN Dolphin, a Naval research submarine that has the deepest dive on record (over 3,000feet!). They also have the Steam Ferry Berkeley restored from the 1920s and you can tour a B-39 Russian Submarine that sailed during the Cuban Missile Crisis.