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Monday, May 12, 2008

STAR OF INDIA

The Star of India is the world's oldest seafaring ship. Built in 1863 at Ramsey Shipyard in the Isle of Man, it was an experimental design using iron rather than wood. Originally launched as Euterpe, named after the Greek goddess of music, it was a full-rigged working ship. Her maiden voyage included a collision and mutiny. Her second met with a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. Subsequently her first captain died on board and was buired at sea. The word jinx comes to mind!

She served as a cargo ship to India, a passenger vessel hauling emigrants to New Zealand and a commercial salmon fishing and packing facility. She also had several owners. In 1906 her name was changed to Star Of India. In 1923, she was towed to the San Diego bay after serving the seas for 60 years. There she sat for a further 50 years, her fate in the balance until a decision was made on her future. She was to be restored.

In 1976, the fully restored Star of India put to sea for the first time in fifty years.The Captain for the newly restored ships voyage was Captain Carl Bowman. A crowd of half a million passengers, crew and onlookers came to wish her good luck on this latest adventure. She has since then set sail on several special occasions.

You can still visit the Star of India as it is still docked in San Diego Maritime Museum as part of the Maritime Tour and view a more comprehensive history.

The plaque commemorates the bond that has been formed with San Diego in restoring and preserving this historic part of Ramsey, and the Isle of Man. It was dedicated to the town by N.A.M.A. The " North American Manx Association " and stands proudly along the quay of Ramsey for all to see.

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18 comments:

  1. Chuck PefleyMay 13, 2008 at 7:48 AM

    What a long and checkered career. Jinx is certainly a word I'd entertain, where this vessel is concerned. Don't think I would welcome a voyage on her even if it was free.

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  2. OlivierMay 13, 2008 at 7:53 AM

    j'aime cette option de couleur, et merci pour l'histoire (même si je ne suis pas sur à 100% d'avoir tout bien traduit ;o) )

    I like this colour, and thank you for history (even if I am not 100% on having any property resulting ;o))

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  3. ShutterspyMay 13, 2008 at 9:13 AM

    Thanks so much for linking to my blogs!!!

    :-D
    :-D
    :-D

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  4. AnonymousMay 13, 2008 at 10:43 AM

    very interesting info. and also very beautiful shots all over your blog

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  5. Louis la VacheMay 13, 2008 at 12:18 PM

    "Louis" found this to be très interessant and it reminds him that he has more ships to add to his series on the historic ships of San Francisco Bay.

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  6. Small City ScenesMay 13, 2008 at 2:23 PM

    Very nice. As I have said before you have a very interesting and entertaining blog. Thanks for visiting mine. MB

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  7. smilnsighMay 13, 2008 at 3:35 PM

    That must be a beautiful ship.

    Mari-Nanci
    Photos-City-Mine

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  8. PatMay 13, 2008 at 5:37 PM

    Nice shot of an interesting piece of history. The design of this sign reminds me so much of historical markers that appear here and there along the Pennsylvania turnpike (if it still bears that name!) As a kid, we'd go for Sunday drives, and my grandfather would stop and read each one...even if we'd just passed it the week before.

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  9. Tanya BreeseMay 13, 2008 at 7:30 PM

    How funny, when I saw the title of your post, I was thinking "hey, we have a Star of India in San Diego" lol. I'm originally from San Diego and can't tell you how many times I've walked right past this beautiful ship, although I don't think I've ever taken the tour!

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  10. iBlowfishMay 13, 2008 at 9:48 PM

    Interesting post. I wish I could see those beautiful restored ship you mentioned in your blog today. Well done.

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  11. DanMay 13, 2008 at 10:17 PM

    Love the pic. I am learning so much from just looking at your photos and doing my best to copy what you are doing.

    Jinx is kind of relative. Afterall, it has had a very long seafaring career even if it did get off to sort of a rock start.

    Next time I am in San Diego I will look for this ship.

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  12. crittoriaMay 13, 2008 at 11:01 PM

    Very informative post. I also like the color of the photo.

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  13. Steve BuserMay 14, 2008 at 12:16 AM

    What a long life at sea. Today it strange to see something still serving after 30 years or so.

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  14. Knoxville GirlMay 14, 2008 at 1:13 AM

    You know, I've learned so much about so many different subjects since I joined CDPB. Thanks for the fascinating history today.

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  15. Clueless in BostonMay 14, 2008 at 2:08 AM

    Very interesting post. I thought when the ship was recommissioned you were going start listing another string of bad luck happenings.

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  16. ChrisMay 14, 2008 at 4:01 AM

    VERY INTERESTING! I have seen the Star of India in San Diego and didn't remember that it was from Isle of Man.

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  17. StevensonMay 14, 2008 at 5:14 AM

    wow babooshka! The sepia thing added a great effect to your beautiful photo! Nice Job!

    God Bless^^
    Steven

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  18. KatneyMay 14, 2008 at 6:52 AM

    I remember seeing it in San Diego.

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