Contact: Kate Cwiek, PR & Marketing Manager
kate@pride2.org, Office: 410-539-1170, Cell: 240-643-0316
PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II TO LEAD TALL SHIP FLEET
IN STAR-SPANGLED REENACTMENT SAIL
Tall Ships to Reenact the Bombardment of Fort McHenry on Sunday, September 14th,
the 200th Anniversary of our National Anthem
BALTIMORE, MD (September 12, 2014) — On Sunday, September 14 between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Pride of Baltimore II will lead a squadron of 10 traditional sailing vessels through the waters where, 200 years ago to the day, Francis Scott Key witnessed both the intense bombardment and the triumphant raising of the 42 x 30 foot Star-Spangled Banner over the Fort. Participating vessels in the real-time reenactment sail include the Adventurer, Celebration, Elf, Farewell, Kalmar Nyckle, Lady Maryland, Lynx, Pride of Baltimore II, Sigsbee and Sultana.
Pride of Baltimore II will portray President, the vessel Francis Scott Key sailed aboard to negotiate for the release of Dr. William Beanes from British custody. A Francis Scott Key impersonator will be aboard Pride, and will be standing on the rail to proclaim Victory as the ships process between the Fort and the vessel. At the start of the sail the Fort will be flying a 25 x 17’ “Storm Flag,” as it did prior to 9:00 AM on September 14th, 1813. At 9:00 AM, the highlight of the event will be the changing of the smaller “Storm Flag” for the larger 42 x 30’ “Garrison Flag.”
It was the ingenuity of the Fells Point shipyards and the success of Baltimore privateers, like the Pride of Baltimore II, that inspired the Royal Navy’s attack on Baltimore in 1814. 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.”
Sunday, September 14
“Star-Spangled” (Reenactment) Sail
7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Pride captains have expertise in the maritime War of 1812 and are available for live interviews. Some of the participating vessels may still have space aboard for media. Contact Kate Cwiek: 240-643-0316 if interested in coming aboard. Pride will depart from the Baltimore Marine Center Boatel & Yard (1800 S. Clinton Street, Baltimore, MD 21224) at 7:30 AM.
About the Pride of Baltimore
The Pride of Baltimore’s mission is to promote historical maritime education, foster economic development and tourism, and represent the people of Maryland in every port she visits. Pride of Baltimore II 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 1814. 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.” 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 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.
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