Californian Tall Ship Undergoes Repairs in San Diego

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The Californian tall ship is being inspected and repaired at a marina in San Diego.

News Summary

The Californian, San Diego’s official tall ship, is set for repairs and inspections that will take it out of service for the early summer weeks. Transporting to Marine Group Boat Works, the 139-foot vessel’s haul-out will cost around $75,000 and is expected to return by July 9. Regular maintenance and environmental challenges highlight the importance of this operation, ensuring safety and preservation of maritime heritage as defined by recent regulations following a tragic fire incident.

San Diego – The tall ship Californian, a prominent tourist attraction at the Maritime Museum in San Diego, will undergo repairs and inspections, taking it out of service for the early weeks of summer. This 139-foot vessel, recognized as the official tall ship of California, is scheduled to be transported to Marine Group Boat Works in Chula Vista next Monday for a haul-out that is expected to cost around $75,000.

The Californian is anticipated to return to its home port by July 9, pending any major issues arising during the inspection phase. As a historical wooden topsail schooner constructed as a replica of the 1847 Revenue Cutter C.W. Lawrence, the ship has been a part of San Diego’s maritime landscape for over four decades. In 2002, the Maritime Museum acquired the Californian, employing it for both sailing adventures and educational purposes, primarily operating from its docking point north of the USS Midway Museum.

Despite being relatively young compared to similar tall ships, the Californian remains susceptible to various environmental factors and pests such as termites. Workers at Marine Group will undertake several key maintenance tasks, including applying a preservative known as tallow to the masts. This treatment aims to seal small cracks and enhance the lubrication of the sails, ensuring better sailing performance.

The Californian is also subjected to regular maintenance, with divers performing monthly cleanings of the ship’s hull to prevent marine life from accumulating. However, this upcoming haul-out will include an extensive cleaning to remove marine worms and other organisms that can inflict damage on the ship’s structure.

In addition to routine inspections, there is an overarching concern regarding the implications of a tragic incident that occurred in September 2019, when a fire on a passenger vessel claimed the lives of 34 people. In response to this event, the U.S. Coast Guard has increased its scrutiny of inspections and regulations concerning passenger vessels. This tightening of regulations may require further changes and repairs for the Californian, depending on the outcomes of the upcoming inspections.

As the summer season approaches, the Maritime Museum is preparing for the temporary absence of the Californian. The ship is a significant draw for visitors and plays a crucial role in the museum’s educational initiatives, which aim to promote maritime heritage and a love for sailing. Tourists and locals alike can look forward to the Californian’s return, which will see the ship back to its operational status, providing the community and visitors with a chance to appreciate its historical value and maritime education opportunities once again.

The adjustments made during the haul-out at Marine Group Boat Works will be essential not only for the ship’s longevity but also for the safety of its passengers and crew in the future. The Californian’s maintenance reflects a broader commitment to preserving maritime history while ensuring compliance with safety standards that protect both people and ship integrity.