Star Of India Celebrates 144 Years Of History

Birthday Party, Free Admission, Annual Sail Mark Famous Ship’s Anniversary

EMBARCADERO, SAN DIEGO — Star of India, San Diego’s foremost waterfront icon,marks her 144th anniversary in November. The Maritime Museum of San Diego will celebrate with several special events.  

On Saturday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 11, Star of India will be getting underway for her annual sail. HMS Surprise, a replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate, will also be getting underway.  She will be sailing for the first time since the museum acquired the ship in 2004.

The schooners Californian and Lynx will offer an extraordinary sailing experience for their passengers as they sail alongside the two square riggers. On Saturday, Nov. 17, the museum will throw a birthday party for  Star of India. Admission to the historic ship will be free on that day.

Passengers on board Californian and Lynx will have an unparalleled vantage point to witness the awesome sight of  Star of India and HMS Surprise sailing together. Tickets to sail on board Californian and Lynx on Nov. 10 and 11are $125 per person and include delicious breakfast and lunch buffets. 

The schooners will leave the Maritime Museum of San Diego at 9 a.m. each day and return at approximately 5 p.m. Tickets are available on the museum’s Web site at www.sdmaritime.org or by calling (619) 234-9153, ext. 101. Proceeds help underwrite the cost of sailing Star of Indi.

Star of India’sbirthday celebration willtake place on Saturday, Nov.17, noon – 3 p.m. In recognition of the historic ship’s special place in our community, the Maritime Museum of San Diego is inviting everyone to visit  Star of India free on that day. (Admission will still be required to tour the other ships in the museum’s collection.)

The party on board  Star of India will feature live music and lots of family fun. Everyone will be invited to join in and sing “Happy Birthday” and share a piece of birthday cake at 1 p.m.

Star of India and HMS Surprise will depart their berths at the Maritime Museum of San Diego each day at 9 a.m., returning at approximately 5 p.m. The best spots to watch this unique San Diego tradition from the shore are at Point Loma, Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and the Embarcadero. Boat owners are invited to join the flotilla of private watercraft that traditionally accompany Star of India as she makes her way back into the harbor. The Star of India’s passenger list is composed of museum donors, invited guests, news media, volunteers and staff.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship: Star of India.

The museum is located on the North Embarcadero in downtown San Diego at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, Calif. 92101. The telephone number for general inquiries is (619) 234-9153. Additional information can be found on the museum’s Web site at www.sdmaritime.org.

Editor’s Note: Jim Allen, AZBW publisher, and Carol Allen, AZBW editor, are honored to be among the media guests aboard the historic 1863 bark in November, joining in the celebration of her 144th birthday.