This is the third century she's seen, and she's still looking good.
The Star of India is the oldest active ship in the world, currently registered and docked in San Diego Harbor. At the beginning of her life in 1863, when she was originally named for the Greek muse Euterpe, she was something of an experiment in shipbuilding, with the viability of iron-hulled ships still yet to be proven. Her early career was marked by a nearly fatal collision with a Spanish brig and an attempted mutiny. An American company named Alaska Packers bought Euterpe at the end of the 19th century and renamed her The Star of India. After several decades of service with Alaska Packers, the ship was dry docked and came close to being demolished for scrap metal.
In 1926 a group of San Diego citizens raised the money to buy The Star. However, the ship idled in San Diego until the 1950s, when visiting author Captain Alan Villiers admonished the public to help alleviate her decrepit condition. Since then citizens of San Diego have donated their services and money to keeping The Star afloat in prime condition.
A volunteer crew mans the ship for a voyage at least once every year. The Star is part of San Diego's Maritime Museum tour, when she's not sailing.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- 9am to 8pm daily
- Admission:
- Adults: $12
- Seniors (62 and over): $10
- Active Military (with valid military ID): $10
- Children (6-17:) $7
- Children 5 and under: Free
- Museum members are always free
- Contact:
- Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 North Harbor Drivem San Diego, CA
- Phone: 619-234-9153
- Website: www.sdmaritime.com
