Category: Press Releases

Pride of Baltimore II‘s Homecoming July 1, 2017, courtesy of Jeffrey G. Katz

Operator of historic tall ship to develop long-term financial model to sustain its mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2018
Contact: Tom Waldron
410.962.5707; (c) 410.350.6637

BALTIMORE, MD – The State of Maryland will provide ongoing financial support to the nonprofit operator of the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II under legislation passed during the 2018 General Assembly session. Support in the Senate was unanimous and an overwhelming number of delegates voted in favor for it in the House.

The legislation commits the State to provide $500,000 annually to Pride of Baltimore, Inc. for five years, beginning in fiscal year 2019.

Legislative leaders took decisive action after Pride of Baltimore made a public announcement earlier this year that it was facing severe financial challenges.

Pride’s initial appeal for support generated important new funding commitments, but the organization must continue to raise significant additional funding.

“I’ve seen firsthand how Pride showcases Baltimore’s maritime history and attracts visitors and attention,” said Sen. Edward Kasemeyer, the lead Senate sponsor of the funding legislation. “The General Assembly has ensured that Pride has the resources needed to continue to represent the city and state for years to come.”

“Pride of Baltimore II is a beautiful symbol of the city and a wonderful economic ambassador for the state of Maryland, and it’s critical that the State continues to support her operations,” said Del. Maggie McIntosh, the lead House sponsor. “Pride also gives kids in Baltimore and beyond a great opportunity to learn about our maritime history. I am a big fan of Pride and am proud that we made sure she has the resources to continue her critically important mission.”

While the renewed state funding is critically important, Pride of Baltimore is focused on continuing to raise funds from the corporate community, grants, individuals, and other sources to bridge the gap in funding each year.

“We are excited about the legislation to secure long-term funding for Pride,” said Captain Eric Nielsen, chair of the board of Pride of Baltimore, Inc. “But we still must continue to raise significant funds to sustain our important work. I am hopeful that individuals and businesses that appreciate Pride will continue to support our mission.”

Pride of Baltimore Executive Director Rick Scott said the organization will use the next several months to secure additional sponsorships and develop a long-term financial sustainability plan.

Over the years, Pride of Baltimore has been able to generate less than half of its budget from operating revenues, such as appearance fees, souvenir sales, and day sails — requiring the organization to raise a significant amount of money each year. Around the country, other tall ships have also struggled to maintain the resources to fulfill their missions and maintain themselves. However, unlike many tall ships, Pride of Baltimore II has no outstanding debt. And thanks to ongoing maintenance, the ship is able to sail for many more years.

Pride II was owned by the state of Maryland from 1988 to 2010, and now is both owned and operated by Pride of Baltimore, Inc., a nonprofit funded through corporate support, grants, individual gifts, and income from festival appearances and other sources.

The first Pride of Baltimore, a topsail schooner that recalled the Baltimore Clippers that helped the U.S. secure independence during the War of 1812, was commissioned in 1977 and sailed for nearly a decade before being lost at sea in 1986. A successor vessel, Pride of Baltimore II, was launched in 1988 and has logged more than 250,000 miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries. She has generated enormous goodwill and interest in the rich maritime history of Baltimore and Maryland.

In 2017, the organization celebrated the 40th anniversary of Pride in Baltimore, highlighted by Pride II‘s popular appearances in three tall ships festivals and two open-ocean races. This year marks 30 years since Pride of Baltimore II was launched in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Pride II routinely attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and generates wide media coverage worth tens of millions of dollars in exposure for the ship, the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland. With renewed support from the State of Maryland over the past three years, Pride II was also used locally and in other ports to promote economic development in the state.

Pride of Baltimore has also created unique educational opportunities for Marylanders. While every visitor to Pride II learns about the dynamic designs of Chesapeake schooners and the pivotal role of Maryland privateers in the War of 1812, programs specifically tailored for students enhance the experience through hands-on learning. Dockside programs — featuring lessons in simple machines, navigation, and the life of a sailor — have been offered since the 1990s.

Pride’s outreach programs also take place in classrooms, and educational programming has been presented on the vessel in conjunction with major events such as Light City Baltimore, Star-Spangled Sailabration in 2012, and Star-Spangled Spectacular in 2014.

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Pride of Baltimore II‘s Homecoming July 1, 2017, courtesy of Jeffrey G. Katz

Pride’s nonprofit operator seeks new funding to maintain its goodwill and economic development mission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2018
Contact: Tom Waldron
410.962.5707; (c) 410.350.6637

BALTIMORE, MD – After marking 40 years of sailing the Chesapeake and around the world on behalf of the city of Baltimore and state of Maryland, the nonprofit operator of the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II is urgently seeking new funding from government, the business sector, and the public, the organization’s board of directors announced today.

The Pride of Baltimore organization is urging the public and the local business community to express support for Pride and make financial contributions to fund Pride’s future operations. The organization is advocating for renewed state and local funding to allow Pride of Baltimore II to continue to fulfill its important mission as an economic development tool and goodwill ambassador for both the state and city.

“Pride of Baltimore II remains one of the world’s most revered tall ships, delighting crowds wherever she sails,” said Pride of Baltimore, Inc. board chair Captain Eric Nielsen. “We will use 2018 to reassess the ship’s future, working closely with our partners in the public and private sectors to make sure we don’t witness the end to Pride’s wonderful history.”

Instead of taking part in public events, Pride II is undergoing maintenance early in the year as part of a 30-year refit of the vessel, which was launched in 1988.  Without significant new funding, Pride II will likely not be able to maintain an active sailing schedule in 2018.

Pride II was owned by the state of Maryland from 1988 to 2008, and now is both owned and operated by Pride of Baltimore, Inc., a nonprofit entity funded through grants, individual gifts, corporate support, and income from festival appearances and other sources.

The state has provided significant funding for Pride of Baltimore over the years, and most recently through a three-year commitment through early 2018. The Pride organization is exploring legislation to allocate state funding for Pride during this year’s General Assembly session.

“Pride of Baltimore II is a treasured symbol of Baltimore and Maryland that is recognized around the world,” said Rick Scott, Pride of Baltimore’s executive director. “We are grateful for the generous financial support we have received from the state of Maryland, the city of Baltimore, and thousands of people and organizations over many years. As we plan for our future and do maintenance on Pride this year, we urge all those who care about her to continue to support our work.”

Over the years, Pride II has been able to generate less than half of its budget in operating revenues, such as appearance fees, souvenir sales, and day sails — requiring the organization to raise a significant amount of money each year. Around the country, other tall ships have also struggled to maintain the resources to fulfill their missions and maintain themselves. However, unlike many tall ships, Pride of Baltimore II has no outstanding debt. And thanks to ongoing maintenance, the ship is able to sail for many more years.

“The Pride organization has successfully stewarded the city’s tall ship for decades, but we need to hit pause and look carefully at how we move forward,” said Scott. “We will examine the organization’s structure, operations, and financing. It’s important to identify a sustainable strategy for operating Pride and preserving this valuable and iconic civic asset.”

Pride of Baltimore, a topsail schooner that recalled the Baltimore Clippers that helped the U.S. secure independence during the War of 1812, was commissioned in 1977 and sailed for nearly a decade before being lost at sea in 1986. A successor vessel, Pride of Baltimore II, was launched in 1988 and has logged more than 250,000 miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries. It has generated enormous goodwill and interest in the rich maritime history of Baltimore and Maryland.

In 2017, the organization celebrated the 40th anniversary of Pride in Baltimore, highlighted by popular appearances in three tall ships festivals and two open-ocean races.

Pride II routinely attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and generates wide media coverage worth tens of millions of dollars in exposure for the ship, the city of Baltimore, and the state of Maryland. With renewed support from the state of Maryland over the past three years, Pride II also was used locally and in other ports to promote economic development in the state.

Pride has also created unique educational opportunities for Marylanders. While every visitor to Pride II learns about the dynamic designs of Chesapeake schooners and the pivotal role of Maryland privateers in the War of 1812, programs specifically tailored for students enhance the experience through hands-on learning. Dockside programs for fourth graders — featuring lessons in simple machines, navigation, and the life of a sailor — have been offered since the 1990s.

Pride outreach programs also take place in classrooms, and educational programming has been presented on the vessel in conjunction with major events such as Light City Baltimore, Star-Spangled Sailabration in 2012, and Star-Spangled Spectacular in 2014.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melanie Kelleher, Ainsley & Co., 410.317.8388

Celebrating 40 years of Pride in Baltimore

 BALTIMORE, MD – February 17, 2017 – Pride of Baltimore, Inc. is celebrating 40 years of Pride in Baltimore with their inaugural Spring Sailabration on Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI).

Pride friends and family, and local business leaders will come together on the waterfront to celebrate 40 years of Pride. Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy will welcome guests with a sword arch. Inside, guests will enjoy live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks from local establishments, a silent auction, and great company. Pride II, illuminated in twinkling lights, will be docked outside of the BMI open for guests to board for a deck tour.

Pride of Baltimore, Inc. is pleased to have BGE on board as a major sponsor of Spring Sailabration 2017. Limited sponsorships are still available. Organizations or individuals interested in becoming a Sailabration sponsor may call the Pride office at 410.539.1151 for more information.

Business attire is suggested. Early bird tickets are $95 each until March 24, 2017, and can be purchased at www.pride2.org/sailabration/. Tickets will be $125 each after March 24.

40 Years of Pride in Baltimore

In 1975, the City of Baltimore adopted a proposal for the construction of a replica sailing vessel as the centerpiece of its Inner Harbor revitalization efforts. An iconic clipper ship was chosen because of the pivotal role Baltimore privateer vessels played in the War of 1812.

Pride of Baltimore, the first Baltimore Clipper to be built in 150 years, and the first tall ship to represent a city and a state, was commissioned on May 1, 1977, in a ceremony at the Inner Harbor attended by thousands. During her nine years at sea, between her maiden voyage to Bermuda, New York, and Nova Scotia in 1977, to her final European voyage in 1986, Pride of Baltimore extended the hand of friendship to countless visitors. Altogether, she logged more than 150,000 nautical miles, equal to six times around the globe. She sailed further in nine years than most sailing vessels travel in their lifetimes.

On her way home from a successful European campaign, Pride of Baltimore was struck by a microburst squall north of Puerto Rico. Within minutes, the schooner sank; the ship, her captain, and three crew members were lost at sea.

After the tragic sinking of Pride of Baltimore, an outpouring of unsolicited public support all but forced Pride of Baltimore, Inc. into going forward with a new ship. By late summer of 1986, plans for a replacement were under way. The ship was to be named Pride of Baltimore II and serve as a sailing memorial to the original Pride.

Pride of Baltimore II was hoisted aloft and launched from her Inner Harbor birthplace on April 30, 1988. After being fitted out and rigged, she was commissioned on October 23, 1988, at Brown’s Wharf in Fells Point, just blocks from the shipyard where Chasseur, the original “Pride of Baltimore,” had been built in 1812. Since her commissioning, Pride II has sailed over

250,000 nautical miles and visited more than 200 ports in 40 countries in North, South, and Central America; Europe; and Asia.

For four decades, these modern-day “prides” of Baltimore have promoted historical maritime education, fostered economic development and tourism, and represented the people of Maryland in ports throughout the world.

Pride of Baltimore II’s 2017 Season

Pride of Baltimore II will begin her 2017 season on March 25, Maryland Day and the 202^nd anniversary of Chasseur’s triumphant homecoming in 1815 when she was dubbed the “pride of Baltimore.” Besides ticketed day sails and free deck tours for the public, private charters and dockside receptions are available, and education programs will be scheduled on the ship.

For more information, please go to www.pride2.org, call 410.539.1151, or email pride2@pride2.org.

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After an 8,000-Nautical-Mile Voyage, Pride of Baltimore II Returns Home

Festivities Include a Homecoming Arrival and FREE Deck Tours on Thursday in Fells Point

 

BALTIMORE, September 29, 2016 – After four months and more than 8,000 nautical miles at sea, on Thursday, October 6, 2016, Pride of Baltimore II returns home to Baltimore. Pride II participated in the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2016, participating in eight large tall ship festivals, visiting nine other Great Lakes ports, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors on board, forging new business development for the state of Maryland, and winning three of five races.

 

Thursday, October 6, 2016, Schedule of Events

Pride II will be escorted into Baltimore Harbor by the Baltimore City Fire Department’s fire boat and a Moran tug. Pride II will sail past Fort McHenry at approximately 12:30 p.m., through the Baltimore Inner Harbor around 1:20 p.m., and, with cannons blazing, dock at Broadway Pier in Fells Point close to 2 p.m. Pride II will be open for FREE deck tours at Broadway Pier in Fells Point from 3 to 6:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS) will commandeer the ship with epic rock and roll from their world-premiere rock opera BRIDES OF TORTUGA**. BROS is excited to partner with the legendary replica privateer vessel to stage a preview of Baltimore’s newest original rock musical, opening October 28th. Come see Broadway Pier ablaze with the powerful voices of our all-female seafaring crew. Get ready to bang your head alongside the crew of the ship and the most energetic rock n roll community experience in Baltimore.

The timeline is approximate, and as follows:

 

12:30 p.m.       Pride II to pass Fort McHenry

12:55 p.m.       Pride II to pass Fells Point

1:20 p.m.         Pride II to circle through Inner Harbor

1:45 p.m.         Pride II to make “grandstand” arrival into Fells Point

2:10 p.m.         Pride II to dock at Broadway Pier                               

3-6:30 p.m.      Pride II to open for FREE public deck tours

6:00 p.m.         Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS) performance on Pride II

6:30-? p.m.      Meet the Crew and BROS at Kooper’s Tavern with Happy Hour specials

 

OPTIMAL VIEWING LOCATIONS FOR MEDIA COVERAGE (times approximate):

Fort McHenry: View of Pride II approaching/passing by with Key Bridge in background. 12:30 p.m.

Under Armour: View of Pride II approaching/passing by with Fells Point in the background. 12:55 p.m.

Fells Point/Broadway Pier: View of Pride II approaching/passing by with Under Armour in the background. 12:55 p.m.

Fells Point/Thames Street Area: View of Pride II passing by with Domino Sugar and Federal Hill in view. 12:55 p.m.

Federal Hill (on actual hill): Full view of Pride II arriving and turning around in the Inner Harbor. 1:10 p.m.

Rusty Skupper: Full view of Pride II arriving and turning around in the Inner Harbor. 1:10 p.m.

Constellation Pier: View of Pride II turning in Inner Harbor with Domino Sugar and Federal Hill in view. 1:15 p.m.

Science Center: View of Pride II arriving in Inner Harbor with Aquarium and World Trade Center in view. 1:10 p.m.

 

Pride of Baltimore II is a reproduction of an 1812-era topsail schooner privateer. She is Maryland’s working symbol of the great natural resources and spectacular beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region, and a reminder of America’s rich maritime heritage.  Pride of Baltimore II is owned and operated by the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Pride of Baltimore, Inc.  Continuation of her mission is contingent on private funding.

 

Tall Ships Great Lakes 2016 Summary

In June 2016, Pride II departed Baltimore for Toronto, Ontario, to participate in the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2016, traveling more than 8,000 nautical miles, participating in eight large tall ship festivals, and stopping in another nine Great Lakes ports. All told, Pride II has welcomed over 64,000 fans of the ship and visitors across her deck in twenty-one ports so far this year.

At the tall ship festivals, Pride’s presence in itself promoted Baltimore and Maryland in a positive light, but her crew also highlighted tourism and economic development opportunities in Maryland. Several businesses also used Pride to entertain staff and clients in various ports. Port organizers treated sponsors – such as Dow Corning in Bay City and Shell Canada in Brockville – and VIPs to dockside receptions on board Pride.  The Maryland Port Administration hosted a sailing charter in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Pride participated in five TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® races this summer, one in each of the Great Lakes, racing against other traditional sailing vessels and sail training ships, including the Viking longship Draken Harald Hårfagre and the War of 1812 US Brig Niagara. Pride II did exceptionally well in the races with a record of three first places, one second, and one third. Each of the races had its own unique challenges and conditions and Pride of Baltimore II and her crew performed well.

During her Great Lakes voyage, the support for Pride of Baltimore II was overwhelming. From Cape Vincent, New York, to the banks of the Welland Canal; from Sturgeon Bay to the shores of Superior; thousands of people lined the waterways to welcome her with warm smiles and cameras in hand. Many people tracked the ship online and woke up in the twilight hours hoping to catch a glimpse of the iconic Pride of Baltimore II sailing by. Visitors of all ages in the Great Lakes were appreciative that Pride sailed thousands of miles to visit their small towns and cities.

Pride of Baltimore II promotes tourism and represents the economic interests of Baltimore and Maryland wherever she travels.  Maryland is ranked #1 in the region for job growth, and the U.S. Department of Commerce ranked the greater Baltimore region as #3 for innovation and entrepreneurship. Rick Scott, executive director for Pride of Baltimore, Inc., remarked, “Whenever Pride II voyages to distant ports, it’s a wonderful opportunity to shine a positive light on our home city of Baltimore, birthplace of our national anthem. In addition to promoting tourism for our region, we hope to highlight the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, the vibrancy of the Port of Baltimore, and that Maryland is a great place to do business.”

 

**About Brides of Tortuga

When your life is burned to the ground and you are handed a sword, do you take it? Would you sail towards certain death to pursue what is right?

The Baltimore Rock Opera Society is proud to present our final show of 2016: Brides of Tortuga! This raucous, rebellious rock and roll musical begins in 1661 in Calais, France, and crosses the wild & dangerous open Atlantic Ocean and comes to a bloody close in the Caribbean Sea. The show follows Charlotte, a French freedom fighter who must figure out how to captain an unblooded crew and escape the French Navy who are hot on their tails, and Mary, a humble barmaid who gets swept up in the adventure.

Brides of Tortuga features a large cast, epic sets, intensive fight choreography, a stirring vocal ensemble, and live rock band buttressed by strings, horns and a strong percussion section. The show is a powerful statement about rage, self-determination and kicking ass on a boat.

COME HELL OR HIGH WATER — WE’LL BE THE BRIDES OF NO ONE

Brides of Tortuga is the 8th original production written and produced by the Baltimore Rock Opera Society. BROS is excited to premier this show at the insanely tricked out Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, MD. All shows are General Admission seating with the exception of BROS Supporter Seats as described below. Doors for all shows will open approximately 30 minutes prior to showtimes.

Tickets Available at BaltimoreRockOpera.org
October 28, 29, November 4, 5, 11, 12 @ The Chesapeake Arts Center. Free Parking, cocktails and specialty Brides of Tortuga brew from the Brewer’s Art.