Pride Two 0

Second Son has a gig on the Pride of Baltiimore II. The ship is currently in the area for pre-season maintenance and outfitting, so we got a tour of the ship yesterday.

Here are a few shots. You will see many more and better photos at the Pride of Baltimore II’s website.

Unfortunately, it was a gray day, so I had to tinker with the images a little to try to bring out the detail.

Click on each image to see a larger version.

Here is the view of the ship moored at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth. She has low, sleek lines, so only the masts are visible.

Here’s a closer view. The gangplank was not in place so that passers-by wouldn’t just wander onto the ship, so we had to hop from dock to piling to ladder to get aboard.

This is a view towards the bow from behind the ladder down to the salon. Note the four-pounder lashed to the railing on the left. The ship has four guns used for ceremonies and mock battles.

. . . and a view from starboard.

A swivel gun. My brother defines it as follows:

Small scale cannons that could be moved easily and quickly. They were designed to be used against the enemy’s crew instead of the enemy ship. They were often loaded with shot or shrapnel instead of a single cannon ball. Much more effective against the crew.

And here is the sailor.