And, this vaunted ship is supposed to sail under its own power (as in sails) in Boston Harbor today for only the second time since 1881!! However, it is periodically towed around the harbor.
From the August 17th New York Daily News "USS Constitution, ship that fought in War of 1812, to sail again" by AP.
It will be a ten-minute cruise under its own power to mark the 200th anniversary of its victory over the British ship Guerriere where it earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides." This sortie will take place as long as the winds are more than 5 mph (less than that and there is not enough) and not more than 15 mph (more than that there is the fear that it will place too much stress on the old ship).
The ship has just undergone a three-year restoration project partly for today's sail
Commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, the battle with the Guerriere took place off Nova Scotia on August 19, 1812. It wasn't much of a battle actually, the Constitution was much bigger and mounted heavier cannons. Its 24-pdr. cannons pounded the British ship in close quarters (indeed, the two ships collided once), knocking down its mast. Meanwhile, the Guerriere's 18-pdr shot often bounced off the two-foot thick live oak (Mom says from North Carolina). Thus earning the nickname.
On board the Constitution, still a commissioned US Navy ship, will be its 65 man crew and an additional 150 sailors. Tugs will be nearby, just in case.
I'm Looking Forward to Seeing It. --Brock-Perry
And, by the way, also a happy birthday to my brother Bob who turns 59. One to go to the Big 6-0!!
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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