Classic Ships Sail into Downtown Jax

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Hundreds of miles from home, the Pride of Baltimore II is making a pit stop right here on the First Coast.

She is one of seven ships docked along the St. Johns River for the Sail Jacksonville festivities.

The ship is only 21 years old, but her history goes back centuries. She is a reproduction of a ship that was very popular in the Chesapeake Bay around the time of the War of 1812.

"The ships of this type, a Baltimore clipper, was so far more stripped than their counterparts from the east coast that the British launched an invasion of Baltimore to burn down the shipyards that were building this type of boat," said Captain Jamie Trost.

The Pride of Baltimore II is owned by the State of Maryland. She sails all over the globe as a symbol of the state's rich sailing history.

"It is one of the more rewarding things that I think you could do," said Captain Trost. "It is a tremendous opportunity to go to sea on a ship of this style that is using the technology of two to three hundred years ago."

The Pride of Baltimore II will be joined by six other ships at Sail Jacksonville 2009. They include the H.M.S Bounty, Spirit of Massachusetts, Roseway, Alliance, Mistress and Voyager.

Sail Jacksonville 2009 runs May 29-31. It will highlight the essential roles the St. Johns River and the maritime community have played in the history of Jacksonville.

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