Tall Ships and Tall Tales

Edmund Davies was nearly blindsided by the ship's boom as the great vessel lurched atop a violent wave. The storm had appeared out of nowhere, and what had started as a beautiful, promising day at sea now left them with no certain promise of tomorrow. Amidst the turmoil, he couldn't help but think of everything dear and safe he had left back on land and wished now that he'd never agreed to set foot aboard the Majestic. A young man who boasted neither wealth nor exemplary breeding, yet whatever small part he played in the grand scheme of things still held a glimmer of hope. He had entertained plans to increase his fortune in the New World, and only now did it enter into his young, inexperienced head that sometimes, fate had plans of its own.

Star of India behind the figurehead of the Surprise

If you take an interest in tall ships, the annual Festival of Sail in San Diego is the event for you. It's usually held sometime in the summer and fall each year. If you can't be there for this great event, don't worry - you can still visit the Maritime Museum which is famous for it's skill at both restoring and sailing these historic vessels, including the oldest seaworthy ship, Star of India.

HMS Surprise

The Surprise from the well known 2003 movie Master and Commander starring Russel Crowe is a very detailed and accurate version of the original HMS Rose. This replica was built in 1970. The original was an 18th century Royal Navy frigate according to the Maritime Museum. With an overall length of 179 feet and a 32 foot beam, you definitely get the tall ship vibe!

HMS Bounty

..and who doesn't remember Mutiny on the Bounty, a 1962 film with Marlon Brando and Richard Harris? How about the 1990 version of Treasure Island with Charlton Heston, Christian Bale and Oliver Reed. If that's not enough to pique your curiosity, this beauty was also in the 2006 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Tragically, this beautiful replica was lost in Hurricane Sandy.

Salty crew member waiting for the sail

Nice to see the old earring is still in vogue with trained tall ship crewmembers. These volunteers receive hands-on training for knot tying, sail handling, rigging and maintenance for these beauties from the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

His heart skipped a beat as a man shouted and pointed out to starboard. A sickly green waterspout had descended from the angry clouds and landed far from the ship...and yet, not far enough. Within a short time, it was all the crew could do to regain control of the vessel and avoid the dangerous apparition. Edmund's life flashed before his eyes. He thought of the magnificent plans he had constructed in his imagination, plans of plying the fur trade, of working his way up in the vast new continent and eventually sending for his childhood sweetheart, Olivia, to come join him so that they could begin a promising future together. It was all within reach, they had been so close to reaching their destination, so close to touching the stuff dreams were made of.

Edmund shut his eyes tight as the salty rain stung his face, and lifted up a silent prayer that they would see this storm though. When crossing the great oceans, tomorrow is never promised.