For all our preoccupation with technology, all our insistence upon instant, we’re still taken by tall ships and sail cloth. Majestic, magical and quintessentially manual, sailing ships continue to fascinate.
If you count yourself as those infected by salt water, here are a couple of places you’ve got to see. We’ll start with what is, in this reporter’s estimation, the planet’s foremost maritime museum: Great Britain’s National Maritime Museum. Located in Greenwich, by the banks of the River Thames, this is the repository of 500 years of Britain’s encounter with the world at sea. Hands down, it’s the planet’s largest seafaring museum. See the uniform Lord Nelson wore when fatally shot at the pivotal Battle of Trafalgar, fire a cannon or steer a ship into port.
The most fitting way to get to the National Maritime is by boat. Sightseeing cruises embark from London Eye, Westminster, Tower and St. Katherine’s piers.
Get a decidedly Yankee perspective on the history of the seven seas. Carve out a couple of days and head to Connecticut, to Mystic Seaport – The Museum of America and The Sea. Delve into the history of the Charles W. Morgan, the last of the world’s wooden whaling ships. She’s in the process of restoration just now, projected to be re-launched in July 2013. Over the years some 20 million folks have trod the well-worn decks of this National Historic Landmark.
Coming up soon (June 12 – 16), 35 Maritime Gallery artists will gather on the museum grounds to take paint to canvas, rendering the beauty of Mystic Seaports and its surroundings. There’s an opening reception for the Plein Air Painters of the Maritime Gallery Saturday evening, June 16. It’s open to the public and you’ll get a chance to meet the artists – as well as purchase their paintings.
(Image: HerryLawford)
