Twenty-Seven Years of Sailing With Pride #27forPride2

Pride of Baltimore II was commissioned 27 years ago today! An excerpt from Greg Pease’s Sailing with Pride:

 

Pride of Baltimore II was officially commissioned on Sunday, October 23, 1988 in Fells Point, Baltimore. Hundreds crowded the docks to watch as Pride II was given orders to sail forth on her maiden voyage.

Following dedications by city and state officials and the blessing of the ship by Reverend William N. McKeachie, Commander Patrick Dunne, Captain of the USS Baltimore, gave Captain Jan Miles his commissioning orders. “Captain Miles, assume command of the Pride of Baltimore II and place her in commission,” to which Miles answered, “Aye, aye, sir. I am in command. Pride of Baltimore II is now in commission.” Miles then turned to his crew and order the raising of the flag. Two crew members hoisted a replica of the fifteen-star, fifteen stripe U.S. flag which flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. (It was the sight of this flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”) The flags of Maryland and Baltimore and a Pride of Baltimore II pennant were quickly run up, joining the U.S. flag. As Pride II pulled away from the dock, firing her cannons in salute, the Navy band struck up “Anchors Aweigh.”

With an escort of three large schooners and a flotilla of smaller boats, Pride of Baltimore II took her first official tour of the Inner Harbor. It was a crisp, sunny day, and thousands lined the water’s edge to wave farewell. After eighteen months, Pride II was on her way, to not only carry on the mission of her predecessor, but to make her own history as Maryland’s ambassador to the world. –S.S.

 

THE SUN – OCTOBER 24, 1988

Pride of Baltimore featured in the Baltimore Sun on October 24, 1988

CAPTAIN'S LOG: Sailing a big complex schooner in tight waters

Captain’s Log
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Washington DC Navy Yard

Pride of Baltimore II is moored at the Navy Yard in Washington DC. A 100 nautical mile trek up the Potomac River. A river that winds serpentine like as it narrows to a navigable channel only a couple of hundred feet wide. Today there are two low level bridges to pass through requiring opening and there is also a shallow water patch that cannot be passed over unless the water level is higher than 2 feet above low water. Fortunately the range of tidal water levels in the DC area is 3 or more feet. And Pride has engines to handle the tight waters, the specific times of bridge openings that must be booked in advance by not less than 24 hours as well docking on schedules set long in advance.

Even with such modern capability, the actual act of sailing 1812 War period Baltimore Schooner Privateer Pride in any of the waters and rivers of the Chesapeake Bay is a nearly constant level of physical and mental demand on her officers and crew; they’re responding to a nearly continuous sail evolution, when one includes setting or striking and adjusting sail as the ship is sailed and cannot avoid approaching shallow water on any course she is directed toward. So, for the most part, sailing Pride in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay is more continually mentally and physically demanding for all aboard than when Pride voyages longer voyages and more open waters.

There are times when a long slant of uninterrupted sailing by any sail evolution occurs in our lovely Chesapeake Bay. That is when the crew have a chance to breath and maybe do some shipboard maintenance. But Pride‘s officers are still constantly involved with monitoring the direction of sailing for approaching shallow water and any changes of wind pattern due to cloud/rain activity (of course an approaching weather front) that may have a beneficial or negative affect on the current situation. All this reality ignores for the moment other vessel traffic (recreational and commercial) also plying the Bay.

So, Chesapeake Bay sailing is not generally a sublime experience aboard Pride considering her size and her complexity and her speed, that can take you to a decision point very suddenly. All who ever sail her look forward to the open waters and the longer voyages. That is where the romance we all read about and is expressed so clearly in John Masefield’s poem Sea Fever with the a most well known line “…and all I want is a tall ship and a star to steer her by…”

But Being in home waters for the Bicentennial of the Maryland portion of the 1812 War is a very special occasion. Especially as it was vessels like Pride that gave as much reason for the British Navy and Marines to make the effort to invade Baltimore to destroy the shipyards making such schooner privateers; only to fail and leave Americans with our county’s National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, written in September of 1814, almost 200 years ago. Just after the burning of Washington DC government buildings as well the Navy Yard Pride is currently moored at. There is a lot of reflecting here in Maryland and Washington DC going on about what happened and why nearly two centuries ago. Lots of interesting details of that period are being re-understood and many new ways of depicting what happened and why is on display here at the Navy Yard Museum as well scattered around Maryland and for sure in Baltimore.

I hope all of you readers are taking a chance to visit such sites of history and attend events commemorating the actual anniversaries. The crescendo events scheduled to occur in Baltimore in September will be SPECTACULAR!!! Please come and help with the commemorations!!

Signed; the hard sailing Crew and Officers of Pride of Baltimore II

Maritime Day Contest

Maryland Students Challenged to Tell the Story of the “Star-Spangled Banner”
Pride of Baltimore and Port of Baltimore present first annual Maritime Day Contest

BALTIMORE, April 28, 2014 – In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the penning of the national anthem, Pride of Baltimore and the Port of Baltimore have created a contest for Maryland K – 12th grade students, challenging them to help tell the story of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Students have creative freedom to tell the story however they choose –through watercolor paintings, photography, poems, essays, videos, interpretive dances, dioramas, sculptures, and more.

IMG_1764Winners and one guest will be invited to sail aboard Pride on Sunday, May 18th during the National Maritime Day commemoration and wreath laying ceremony. The top projects will also be featured on the Pride of Baltimore website through December 2014.

Projects (or images of projects) can be submitted through the Pride of Baltimore website: https://www.pride2.org/tellthestory/ or via mail to:

Pride of Baltimore, Inc.
Star-Spangled Student Contest
2700 Lighthouse Point East, Suite 330
Baltimore, MD 21224

The project submission deadline is 5:00 PM on Friday, May 9, 2014. Fifteen winners will be announced on Thursday, May 15th. All K – 12th grade students residing in Maryland are welcome to apply.

The Pride of Baltimore is a reconstruction of an early 19th century Baltimore Clipper. These sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels became famous as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships inspired the Royal Navy’s attack on Baltimore in 1812.  When Francis Scott Key saw the American flag still flying after the all-night bombardment of Fort McHenry, he was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

2014 is the first year in many that Pride will remain in local waters – traveling to as many Maryland ports as possible throughout the Star-Spangled Summer of 2014, reaching between 50,000 and 100,000 people in her port visits throughout the state. Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

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CAPTAIN'S LOG: Maryland Day Activites

March 25th is Maryland Day. 

380 years ago on March 25th the first official colonists landed in what was then designated as Maryland. 

This year Pride of Baltimore marked this day for the first time by sailing to Annapolis to partner up with the Maryland Historical Society and Fort McHenry in commemorating both the day and the showing of the first full scale true replica of the Star-Spangled Banner. 

PRIDE AND FLAG

Pride was the carrier of the Replica Flag from Fort McHenry to Annapolis. In Annapolis four from Pride‘s crew, led by Captain Jamie Trost, carried the Banner in a procession of 1812 War period costumed militia and soldiers from Fort McHenry along with Executive Director Rick Scott & VIPs of Pride, Inc. as well VIPs of the Maryland Historical Society up to Maryland’s Capital Building. There the flag was stretched out by all assembled for viewing. In addition Governor O’Malley made awards and remarks. Awards were grants to winning grant applicants for what they will do during this final commemorative year of the 200th anniversary of the 1812 War. Pride, Inc. was awarded a grant of $125,000 to assist with her visiting around Maryland this year. Remarks were about the Governor’s pride to see the flag flying from Pride and see it shown to all at the State Capital. 

All this with uncharacteristic for the time of the year snow falling and temperatures plummeting. 

snow flag state

The day ended with a reception aboard Pride for Delegates of the Maryland Legislature. The cold drove all below – at first in take turn cycles – but then all were below with food and drink and great comradeship.

Media coverage was significant for both the day of transit as well Maryland Day. 

What a great collaboration! What a great way to mark Maryland Day! 

Pride of Baltimore is the living symbol of Baltimore built schooners used as privateers in the 1812 War that caused the British to came to bombard Fort McHenry in their effort to destroy the shipyards. The successful defense by Fort McHenry and the militia guarding the land access to the shipyards of Fell’s Point in Baltimore are the reason the large 15-star-15-stripe national flag was observed flying over the Fort by Francis Scott Key as the British disengaged from their failed effort to destroy the Pride like vessels of that war. Seeing the flag wave that morning after the all night battle moved Mr. Key to write the poetry that is now our National Anthem. Pride sailing the Replica Flag to Annapolis for Maryland Day with partners from Fort McHenry and the Maryland Historical Society is a great way to mark Maryland Day and the commencement of the final year of commemoration of the war that brought identity for being American and introduced to the world, in a dramatic way, the young United States of America! 

Wouldn’t you say?

 

Jan C. Miles
A Captain for Pride of Baltimore, Inc. 

 

PRESS RELEASE: Maryland Day Celebrations with Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Pride of Baltimore: Kate Cwiek kate@pride2.org 410-539-1170
Maryland Historical Society: Laura Rodini lrodini@mdhs.org 410-685-3750 Ext. 322

Maryland Day Celebrations with Pride of Baltimore II
and the Maryland Historical Society

See the Recreated Star-Spangled Banner Flag at the
Maryland Statehouse in Annapolis March 25, 2014

 


Img: Pride II

BALTIMORE, March 17, 2013 — The Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) is partnering with Pride of Baltimore II to celebrate Maryland Day with special events in Baltimore and Annapolis on Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25, 2013.

On board “The Pride II” will be the 30 x 42 foot Star-Spangled Banner flag that over 1,000 Maryland Historical Society volunteers created in the summer of 2013 using authentic fabric and hand stitching techniques. The flag gained international media attention for The Maryland Historical Society and its partners in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Burt Kummerow, President of the Maryland Historical Society, said that this March 25th has double importance. “Maryland sets aside March 25th every year to celebrate the founding of Maryland in 1634. This year, Maryland Day also points to the beginnings of a Star Spangled Banner events remembering the War of 1812 and the writing of the country’s national anthem.”

Following the voyage, beginning at 12:15 PM on Tuesday, March 25, the Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society will join forces with several other partners commemorating Maryland’s Star Spangled 200 events.

A procession featuring the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will take place from the Annapolis City Dock to the steps of the Statehouse .

A ceremony with elected officials and volunteer stitchers will follow. At 12:30PM, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be unfurled for the first time at the Statehouse before returning to be hoisted on the  “The Pride II” later that afternoon. The general public is welcome and invited to attend the ceremony. Free tours of Pride II will also be offered between 2:00 & 4:00 PM.

The complete schedule of Maryland Day events is as follows:

Monday, March 24

Details to come.

Tuesday, March 25

Baltimore
10:00 AM: Society of Colonial Wars wreath laying event
Location: Baltimore Courthouse, Cecilius Calvert Statue

Annapolis
12:15 PM: Procession of recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag to State House
Location: Annapolis City Dock

12:30 PM-1:30 PM: The recreated Star-Spangled Banner glad will be unfurled on the steps of the west (modern) end of the State House. Flag stitchers and local school children will display the Flag in a short ceremony
Location: Annapolis State House

1:15 PM: The Maryland Governor attends a 1812 Bicentennial Commission Award Ceremony
Location: Annapolis State House

1:30 PM: Return procession to City Dock with our SSB
Location: Annapolis Statehouse

2:00 – 4:00 PM: Tours of Pride of Baltimore II will be free and available to the general public. Flag Talks will be given by National Park Service staff
Location: Annapolis City Dock

4:30 – 6:30 PM
Private reception at City Dock on Pride of Baltimore II for General Assembly
Location: Annapolis City Dock

5:00 PM
Former State Archivist Dr. Ed Papenfuse keynote remarks about the meaning of Maryland Day
Location: Annapolis City Dock

What Is Maryland Day?


Img: Ark and Dove, John Moll, MdHS, M1955.44.1

In March, 1634, after a long, difficult Atlantic winter crossing, the ships Ark and Dove sailed up the Potomac River.  The March 25, 1634 mass on St. Clements Island celebrated the beginning of spring and the planting season, the Feast of the Annunciation and a fragile but hopeful escape from the religious bigotry that was rampant in 17th century Europe. In 1903, Maryland leaders set aside March 25 as a day devoted to remembering Maryland history. In 1916, as the United States entered a world war, the Old Line State turned Maryland History Day into an official holiday.

The Star-Spangled Banner’s Bicentennial Celebrations Continue


Img: The recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag with its stitchers and Education Director Kristin Schenning

Maryland Historical Society President Burt Kummerow said, “We can’t think of a better way to begin our Star Spangled Year than to unfurl our authentic recreation of the historic flag on the steps of the Maryland Statehouse.”

The Maryland Day celebration marks the second time the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be on view to the public. On Defenders Day, 2013, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner flew for the first time at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore. The recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be featured this summer as part of Flag Day festivities at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. The original manuscript of The Star-Spangled Banner, penned in Francis Scott Key’s hand, will be on loan to the National Museum of American History from June 14-July 6, 2014.

The Maryland Historical Society is partnering with the following organizations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812; Pride of Baltimore II, Fort McHenry national Monument and Historic Shrine, the General Assembly and the Statehouse Trust, the 1812 Bicentennial Commission, Star Spangled 200, the Ark and Dove Society, the Society of Colonial Wars and Historic Annapolis. The festivities will culminate in September, 2014 with a statewide “Star-Spangled Spectacular” celebration. For full details visit: http://www.starspangled200.com/.

For details about Pride II’s voyage from Baltimore to Annapolis, contact Marketing Manager Kate Cwiek at 410-539-1170 or kate@pride1.org.

For details about the recreated Star-Spangled Banner and Maryland Day events with The Maryland Historical Society, contact Marketing Director Laura Rodini at lrodini@mdhs.org or by phone: 410-685-3750 ext. 322.

About the Pride of Baltimore

Pride of Baltimore II represents early 19th Century Baltimore-built, topsail schooners – the sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels famous during the War of 1812.  These schooners were privately owned, well-armed privateers that ran the British blockade of the U.S. ports. Chasseur was the largest, most successful of these privateers, and in a daring voyage to Great Britain, captured 17 British ships earning the nickname “Pride of Baltimore.” Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

About the Maryland Historical Society

Founded in 1844, The Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library occupies an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. The society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage.” The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled “Maryland Historical Magazine.” Visit www.mdhs.org.

A First For Savannah

Pride II Passing Old Fort Jackson (Photo by Megan Dove)

Savannah has never before hosted a Tall Ships Challenge Festival. “Tall Ships Challenge” is annually organized by Tall Ships America, the United States national organization of sail training interests in America. Every year, on a different American coast and shore (East Coast, Great Lakes, West Coast), Tall Ships Challenge is a series of sail training races between hosting ports. In those hosting ports the ships agree to make themselves available for general public visitation and the ports agree to create “happenings” for the trainees.

It sounds sort of simple…but in fact it is very complicated. There are national and local security concerns. There are docking concerns trying to address how to moor the vessels safely where they are both close together and safely and easily accessible to the public. These issues represent government regulation and economic challenges. In Savannah’s case the city has been a major supporter and partner with private sectors in the support of making this Tall Ship Festival come together and be as much an entertainment and education success as possible.

Little “thank you” flourishes to recognize such dedication for a first time ever effort that involved a stunning number of different and sometimes competing interests are as important as it is for the organizers to make all the arrangements for such a complicated event.

Pride of Baltimore, Inc. was able to provide a uniquely special “thank you” to the City of Savannah. The presentation was a formal event inside the chambers of the Mayor and Council (some eight council members) and with representatives from different agencies of the city. Below you can read what my Partner Captain Jamie Trost wrote, and I very slightly edited for smoother flow, for the presentation. We have been repeatedly told by witnesses that Jamie’s and my presentation was extremely appreciated and a singular high point to the start of the festivities. I provide for your judgment what was presented…

“Madam Mayor, Council Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that we Captains for Pride of Baltimore II present your fair city with this authentic reproduction of a War of 1812 United States National Ensign in appreciation of the City of Savannah’s role as the inaugural Tall Ships Challenge Port for the War of 1812 Bicentennial. This “Star-Spangled Banner” has flown over Fort McHenry, in the very same spot where the proud flag inspired Francis Scott Key’s famous song, and also over Pride of Baltimore II, the goodwill ambassador for Maryland and the signature sailing reproduction of Baltimore’s famous 1812 Privateers. Ships may come and go with the tides, and our stay in Savannah will be all too short. But let this flag remain to mark the magnificent occasion of a visit by the worlds Tall Ships and to serve as a reminder that, of all the ports commemorating this year’s Bicentennial of America’s struggle to assert her freedoms, Savannah was first.”

 

What do all of you think? Did we captains do a good job…or what? All kidding aside, on behalf of Pride, Inc. and we two partner captains, I would like to thank Fort McHenry’s Ranger Scott Sheads for his and his team’s efforts to provide us with the gift of a Star-Spangled Banner actual flown over Fort McHenry.

Cheers,
Jan C. Miles, Captain aboard Pride of Baltimore II
Acting Executive Director