Saturday, June 27, 2009

Tall ships

This weekend is Harbor Fest here in the old port city. There are going to be eighteen tall ships from all over the world here.

I think that the ship that I am most excited about seeing is the Russian ship Kruzenshtern which is a four masted barque that is 396 feet long. She is the second biggest tall ship in the world.

Unfortunately, the Kruzenshtern suffered a broken foremast on her voyage from Bermuda to port here. She was under full sail in a thunderstorm. Nearly the upper half of the whole mast structure has folded over to the starboard side.

Fortunately no one was injured. But I can imagine that those who live on this ship and love her are disheartened at the damage done. Hopefully, she will be made whole again. I think that it would be a great loss if she weren't fixed.

The damage done to such a large ship makes me mindful of the great power of storms at sea. I have always thought the old Breton fisherman's prayer: "O God, Thy Sea Is So Great And My Boat Is So Small" described the situation so well.

And it describes a lot of situations in life in general. God's abundance is so great compared to mine.

Have a great Saturday. I'm going to take the Water Taxi over to the Maritime Center and start photographing those ships. Hope to post photos later.

14 comments:

  1. I was in NYC in 1976 for the Bicentennial. We watched the Tall Ships Parade from Riverside Park. The Russian ship, stunning in black, sailed past with all the sailors facing forward, silent. It was awe inspiring!

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  2. That sounds like a blast. I'm sure they will fix her.

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  3. I am in awe of the power of those ships, the power of the forces that drive them and, the dedication of the crews that support them.

    Blessings on your weekend experiences...

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  4. I look forward to your photos.
    I am aware of the power of the oceans, having worked offshore on 200' boats for several years. It's awesome.

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  5. we have a Tall ships festival here in Cleveland but I know it is drawfed by the one there.

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  6. I saw some of them out cruising the other day coming home over the bridge and I was in awe! I love tall ships!!!!

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  7. It is a regret of mine that as a young man I did not go on the tall ships. I always look upon the race as a character building and life changing moment for those who take part.

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  8. Oh my gosh, Syd. I think I've been reading your blog for well over a year now. I remember last year's Harbor Fest.

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  9. I'm jealous...LOVE going to see the tall ships when they're in port. Looking most forward to the pics.

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  10. A movie about 50 years ago named "Windjammer: The Voyage of the Christian Radich" followed the Tall Ship on it's training cruise. I have the original sound track music...and still love the songs, which are descriptive of the visited ports/islands.

    Syd, have you ever heard of this?

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  11. Can't wait to see the pictures.

    I saw the tall ships once maybe 35 years ago in New England....don't remember exactly where we were....maybe Connecticut. They were beautiful.

    I know you will have a wonderful time.

    PG

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  12. You always make me wish I lived there, Syd.

    You're right, we just don't get the vastness of God's abundance.

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  13. As a young gal who was born near the sea, seeing the ships is always a delight. Have fun, it's breath taking. cannot wait to see your photos.

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