But since I AM here, what say ye, Robert, any plans?
Rohit
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Date: Fri, 13 Jun 1997 18:07:09 -0400
From: AlsDasKindKindWarWarEsDieZeitDerFolgendenFragen <topper@apocalypse.org>
So here's the scoop on the sail, from the head of the
display dept. at the USS Constitution Museum:
For the first time in about 100 years, she will sail under her
own power. She will be towed up to Rockport MA on June 20th and
will dock there over night. The reason for towing her up the
day before is that certain, ahem, unnamed "dignitories" will be
onboard, and they can't have a whole day tied up with this.
The Ship will be towed out in the morning of the 21st, 6 miles
off shore, then, her sails will be hoisted and she will sail for
5 miles back towards shore, to a save distance, and then be towed
the rest of the way back to port. The story of the effort to
find people able to sail a ship type which no-one alive has
sailed before, is interesting in and of itself. Old Ironsides is,
technincally, still a US Navy ship, too.
There will be 4 or 6 navy ships maintaining a control perimitter
around the USS Constitution, the entire time. There will then
be a small flotilla of Coast Guard ships maintaining a safe
perimitter around the Navy perimetter. Around the Coast Guard
perimetter will be every pleasure cruiser in god's creation.
Someone's suggestion of calling the whale-spotting companies
is a good idea,or just the MA Chamber of Commerce or tourism baord.
The only craft allowed inside the Navy perimitter (besides the Big
One) is one chartered by the USS Constitution Museum. Tickets
for this cruise sold out immediately at $500 per.
so that's the skinny as far as I can sus.
Oh, yeah, and if you're up in the area, the museum is going to
free admission for the summer with the support of a corporate
sponsor for each month, and the show of scale ship models should
be open to the public july 4th, but has its official opening
july 15th. the stand were designed and painted by my friend robert,
and yours truely.
ahoy!,
-topper