She’s one of the most recognizable silhouettes on the Chesapeake Bay: The Pride of Baltimore II, a replica of a Baltimore clipper ship that serves as historical ambassador, sharing the Bay’s rich past with coastal communities from Boston to Bermuda to Charleston.
In 2017, she visited 11 different ports and saw more than 46,200 visitors.
The Pride II celebrates its 30th birthday in 2018, having launched in Fells Point in 1988. She has been lovingly maintained through three decades of travel, but the ship’s caretakers say she’s due for a comprehensive overhaul to keep her going into the future.
Her 30-year refit is already underway, and includes re-caulking a significant portion of the hull to keep it watertight, replacing communications equipment like VHF radios, replacing battery banks, thoroughly inspecting the rigging, and replacing the old diesel stove in the galley.
The Pride II has a grant from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority to help pay for the refit, but it requires a match. The nonprofit Pride of Baltimore, Inc. is asking for contributions to reach their match goal and complete the overhaul. To learn more, click here.
The Pride II will celebrate her birthday properly at the 2018 Spring Sailabration, set for June 7. Bay Bulletin will bring you more details on the party as we get them.
