News Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard’s tall ship, the Eagle, returns to San Diego for the first time since 2008. Visitors can enjoy free public tours of this impressive vessel, which serves as an educational platform for Coast Guard cadets. The Eagle is known for its size and historical significance, and its brief stay in San Diego offers a unique opportunity for locals and tourists to explore its rich maritime heritage.
San Diego – The U.S. Coast Guard’s tall ship, the Eagle, will make its much-anticipated return to San Diego this weekend, marking the ship’s first visit to the city since 2008. The Eagle, which is often referred to as “America’s Tall Ship,” is the largest tall ship in service for the United States and serves as a vital educational platform for Coast Guard officers.
The Eagle measures an impressive 295 feet in length and is a three-masted barque, featuring over 22,300 square feet of sail and approximately six miles of rigging. During its stay, the ship will be moored at the B Street Pier, located at 1140 North Harbor Drive. Free public tours of the Eagle will be offered this weekend as well as the next, allowing visitors to explore this majestic vessel.
Public tour hours are set from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. No tickets are required for the tours, providing a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to step aboard and learn about the ship’s rich history and operational significance.
The ship was originally constructed in 1936 by Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, under the name Horst Wessel, in honor of a Nazi officer. After World War II, the Eagle was transferred to the United States as a war reparation and was re-commissioned in 1946. Since that time, the Eagle has served an important role in maritime education, operating as a classic sailing ship for Coast Guard cadets.
Each summer, the Eagle deploys with cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and members of the Officer Candidate School. During their training, cadets spend a minimum of six weeks onboard, where they learn essential skills in seamanship, navigation, and leadership. The ship is capable of reaching speeds of 17.5 knots when fully under sail, and the crew manages over five miles of rigging to operate the intricate sailing mechanism effectively.
In addition to its educational mission, the Eagle frequently makes port calls at foreign destinations to foster international relations and cooperation with partner nations. The San Diego visit marks the 11th stop in a 14-week journey along the West Coast for the Eagle, showcasing its continued service and dedication to fostering global maritime links.
The opportunity to explore the Eagle comes at a significant time as the ship demonstrates both the history and ongoing mission of the U.S. Coast Guard. Families and individuals in San Diego are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to tour one of America’s maritime treasures, which has not been seen in the area for 15 years. As the ship opens its doors to the public, it invites enthusiasts, history buffs, and families to step aboard and experience a piece of nautical heritage firsthand.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
