Note: The following seven pictures, which includes the postings of February 15th 2009, depict the Festival of Sail in San Diego (08/17/05 through 08/21/05). In accordance with maritime law, the purchase of transitory passports was a prerequisite to board and enter the international vessels. This parade of tall ships occurs only every 3 to 5 years. This waterfront festival made the cover of the L.A. Times. - ed.

"Old and New Worlds: Two Ships Passing in the Day"

Note: In this quad, we find two ships on the San Diego waterfront which are part of the permanent exhibition of the Maritime Museum. Two of the ships featured here are The Star of India and the HMS Surprise, which was used in the Oscar winning film "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" starring Russell Crowe. - ed.

Under sail is the schooner The Californian.

Three of the four pictures are taken aboard and dockside of the sailing vessel the HMS Surprise.


Note: Below are three views of the Wooden Boat Show, as featured on Shelter Island in the San Diego Bay. - ed.

One of the most luxurious seafaring wooden vessels is the Chris Craft runabout, as seen above.

"Ahoy!" Who among our astute readership of seafaring sailors can signal us the meaning of these nautical flags, as seen in the photos above and below?