Friday, March 20, 2009

The Peking - under tow - and at the Horn










The Peking is a legendary ship - one of the last great cargo ships to ply its trade under wind power.  And because of the legendary film footage (below) by Capt. Irwin Johnson who went aloft in horrific conditions to document the storm we know something of its adventures.

The ship belongs to South Street Seaport Museum and resides next to the Wavertree.   Tugster's partner caught her under tow in January 2008.  

The last time we had a Tall Ships visit to NY (was that 2000?) the Wavertree was cleared by  the Coast Guard to put up some canvas, but the Peking not.

At least it's in the water - unlike the great Danish warship the Fregatten Jylland - perfectly preserved but sitting in a dry concrete berth, in Ebeltoft, Jutland.

Bowsprite has posted these lovely watercolors (and more), with conscientiously drawn and delighful details of the great ship.  

And  Tugster has historical shots of the old bulk carrier.







3 comments:

bonnie said...

I think that the first time I saw this video was at a Mayor's Cup afterparty. It was a lovely night, they had a nice little jazz combo playing up on deck, and everyone was schmoozing & drinking & having a good time. It was very strange to go below & watch this film, with the huge waves pouring across the deck. Great film, I love it.

GeorgeConk said...

I may have been there. Maybe it was the night I won the DeCoursey Fales prize for being the last to finish. A box of cornflakes and a bottle of rum for the galley hand.
- George

bonnie said...

Oh no!

The Adirondack had won by THAT much. I was crewing that day but it was my first year & I was under strict instructions not to touch anything but drinks for the passengers. But it was really exciting!