Sailing the Tall Ship Californian
Sailing adventures on San Diego Bay
By Ed Jones
One of a trio of historic sailing ships at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. On the waterfront, the Californian has been designated the Official Tall Ship for the State of California.
With an overall length of 130 feet, the Californian is a fast-sailing topsail schooner. She is a replica of the 1848 Revenue Cutter, C. W. Lawrence, a stately vessel that patrolled off the coast of California during the Gold Rush. The Revenue Service was a precursor to the Coast Guard.
The Californian was built in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego, using hardwoods imported from Belize, hand-selected for the demands of a life at sea. Since her launching, she has played host to thousands of children on educational programs. In addition, she carries up to 50 individual passengers on afternoon cruises on most weekends. Smaller numbers of passengers (up to 25) can participate on multi-day voyages to destinations such as Catalina Island and the Channel Islands.
On many days throughout the year, the Californian participates in mock cannon battles with visiting tall ships. Her armament consists of four cannons (firing blanks, of course) and two smaller swivel guns. The action is fast and furious, with the ships maneuvering at close quarters, guns blasting away, smoke and flames jetting from the muzzles with each broadside.
Passengers are invited to help sail the Californian in a variety of ways, from raising sails to standing watches (on overnight passages.) She also makes an ideal venue for corporate functions, from leisurely day sailing to vigorous team-building exercises.
Once under way, Californian comes into her own, especially in brisk afternoon sea breezes as she makes swift passages across the bay and, wind and tide permitting, onto the open ocean as well, an unforgettable, exhilarating adventure.
