Can you ID this Tall Ship

[katiedobe]

Someone sent me an email with this photo in it and I am curious about the history and the event. Does anyone recognize this ship?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid207/p53e8c427ceac99a315c901740936116e/eea8abaf.jpg

[blacksmith]

Looks like the USS Constitution,"Old Ironsides".

[Rancocas]

I think it is the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides).
Some time ago she was refitted, and taken out into Boston harbor for a show. I think that is when this photo was taken.
Old Ironsides is the oldest American naval vessal still under commission. She is an American icon, and famous ship of the War of 1812. Normally, she sits tied to a dock, and is open for public display.
Old Ironsides is classified as a "frigate". I think the modern ships that flank her are a destroyer and a modern frigate. Overhead is the "Blue Angels", a precision flying team of the American navy.

[Thad Van Gilder]

I third that.

It's got to be the constitution

-Thad

[katiedobe]

That is what I thought. Knew you folks would know for sure.

[bholderman]

I agree. As well, they tow Old Ironsides out every 4th of July. In fact, they have a running lottery for passengers via their website:

http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil/

[CarlZog]

This is the Constitution on July 20, 1997, the 200th anniversary of the ship's launch. It was the first time the ship had sailed under her own power in more than 100 years.

Unfortunately, it also proved to be the last. The Captain at the time had hoped the success of this sail would open the door to do similar sails. However, some retired Constitution captains argued that it put the historic ship at undue risk. They were strongly backed up by local Boston business leaders who were fearful that if it was proven the ship could sail, she'd end up leaving Boston for good (likely for Washington), which would put a serious dent in the Boston tourist trade.

I, for one, think it's a tragedy that the ship has been unable to sail again. One of the discoveries of the massive restoration leading up to the 200th anniversary was evidence of a set of diagonal stringers in the bilge. Those stringers, which were replaced in the restoration, dramatically improved the hull's strength. Between that and the overall amount of new timber in the ship as a result of restorations, this is a very strong ship. It's disingenuous to declare that she can't withstand the strain of a couple topsails in a highly controlled environment.

Carl

[Paul Girouard]

Same question I asked in this thread ,

http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=43699

Almost the same answers as well. Blue Angel's flying guard:)

[Lew Barrett]

Carl,
You are exactly on the money. They had shipwrights from all over the country in on that one. They spent a fortune and for what? She'd do better to get out every now and again, and what a kick to see her doing it. Hardly put her at more risk for a brief harbor cruise than she's been at in her past, eh?
Lew