Spirit of Massachusetts in full sail

This is the second tall ship to come into Portsmouth Harbor. No big fanfare as it was running a bit late. Though not as elaborate as it's predecessor, the USCG Eagle, it's a beauty all the same.

As they came around the corner where the sun was the brightest it gave this glorious glow, almost as if it were a sunset with the water sparkling like diamonds

The sails must be quite old since they have mold, and a few repairs

Receiving an escort

A wonderful sailboat with flags from around the world to close things out

US Coast Guard Eagle Tall Ship

This was a very enjoyable shoot on a beautiful morning. The tough part was shooting into the sun, and because of it you'll notice plenty of blue in the photos due to the sun shining on the back of everything. When the USCG Eagle ship comes into the harbor you'll be able to see how white it really is.


It was pretty exciting to see all the boats start heading in! In the far background sits a large tanker. They won't be coming in until high tide later on in the day.




Hoping for full sail but it was not to be

Fort McCleary sits high on a hill across the river in Kittery, Maine



What an incredible view these guys must have! Did you notice the large golden eagle on the bow?






Though the ship might look fairly close in the photos it was actually out there quite a ways. Below was about as much as I could zoom in.



You can see the ship coming around a bit to recieve a little more sun.

Fort McCleary would shoot their cannons to which the USCG Eagle would reply.



Cruising past the Portsmouth Naval Prison which hasn't been occupied since 1974

Below is a brief video I recorded of the Coast Guard tall ship coming up through the harbor. You'll even see the cannons going off at Fort McCleary as well as the ship, but I have to warn you, the video is a bit rough!

You may be wondering where the rest of the ships are. So was everyone else!!! After a few minutes another tall ship came through, though I can't say which one it was since there wasn't any name on the side. I'll show it to you in my next post. That was it though, only 2 tall ships. Apparently the other 2 joined in on the parade further up river.

For more information about any of the ships and viewing times click HERE

Portsmouth Tall Ships 2009

The Tall Ships are on their way to Portsmouth, NH and will be arriving in full sail Friday morning (that's tomorrow for those of you who don't know what day it is) for a parade up through Portsmouth Harbor. I may be one of 20,000 people (heaven help me) jockeying for a position to view and photograph the spectacle. We shall see.

The Kalmar Nyckel arrived yesterday morning but unfortunately this is pretty much as close as anyone can get to viewing the ship for now.

Portsmouth, NH Tall Ships 2009 Schedule