Bostonist Goes to Tall Ships Boston

(photos by p0larbare)

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We explained Tall Ships to you earlier; then, we visited them to see the madness for ourselves. Here's what Rob Vassegh had to say, & a few pictures from p0larbare, after checking out the impressive maritime action on Friday.

When the Volvo Ocean Race was in town two months ago, we saw some yachting asshats from the Empire State walking around the Seaport. Now that Sail Boston's Tall Ships chose to finish a leg of their sailing race in the Hub rather than the Big Apple (after starting off in Spain and concluding in Belfast), there's one more thing we've got over New York. (Maybe her unfortunate origin was the reason that painter got hassled?)

It would've been grand to see a procession into Boston Harbor, but the city wasn't willing to pony up additional security and sanitation dollars in hopes of offsetting hotel and meals taxes. At least we got the ships themselves, after the controversy settled down.

In the aftermath of this controversy, Bostonist was glad to have a chance to visit The Libertad of Argentina and The Kruzenshtern of Russia on Friday. Without sails in full glory, there is a majesty to look upon the masts like giant Christmas trees void of their needles yet the strings still strewn though the popcorn has been gone for months.

The Libertad occasionally docks in Boston, but we rarely get a chance to walk the deck and enjoy the view standing outside of the bridge. Although public access is limited to the top decks, it's obvious that each vessel is not the same when you enter the Russian Orthodox mini-chapel on The Kruzenshtern.

It might seem obvious, but Bostonist was truly amazed by the unfathomable amount of rope all over the ship. A pre-teen sailor was visibly excited to run his hands along the nautical bits. Another young woman appreciated the rope but commented, "I didn't like the steep stairs."

After the jump, learn how you can feel the rope and walk the (boat deck) plank(s) yourself—today's the last day!