The Dardanella

About a week ago the Dardanella docked at the Constitution Marina [very close to Shipyard Quarters Marina].  Such a beautiful yacht!  It has 5 staterooms, 4 crew cabins and holds 10 guests.  I love that it flies the flag of the United Kingdom.

The Dardanella

The Rita

The Rita is the ferry that travels from Charlestown Navy Yard to Long Wharf. People use it for all sorts of reasons - to commute to work, visit the Constitution and travel to different parts of Boston. It is actually one of the easiest ways for me to commute to school, for it is owned by the MBTA and runs year round. Such a great way to see Boston and realize how essential the harbor is to the city.

Traveling on the Rita from Long Wharf to Charlestown Navy Yard.  In the distance you can see the Tobin Bridge. 

Schooner

Today the Schooner Liberty Clipper passed by the marina.  The Liberty is a "125-foot historic replica of an 18th century clipper ship".  People can book a trip on the Liberty by visiting http://www.libertyfleet.com/.  Such a beautiful ship!

Schooner Liberty Clipper

 

The Turn-Around

Today was the USS Constitution Turn-Around. Seven times a year they Turn-Around the oldest war vessel afloat in the world today. It's pretty spectacular! The water boats flank it and shoot streams of water high in the air. Crowds gather around the harbor to watch this special antique ship under sail.

If you go to the USS Constitution website, you can enter a lottery to spend the 4th of July festivities on the USS Constitution in the harbor!

I find it interesting that the Constitution, which was built in 1797, fought in 33 battles and was never defeated!

Going Aloft!

Today I kept hearing this odd sound.  It sounded almost like a fishing line being cast out into the water - yet it was still quite subtle.  However, when I looked up I realized what it was.  It was a man on a sailboat "Going Aloft" - this means that he was climbing the rigging and masts of his boat.  First of all, I'm not good with heights (I went on a ferris wheel once and it was NOT a pretty picture - I really wanted to get off of it), so the sight of someone that high up made my stomach sink!  Secondly, I have so much respect for serious sailors - it is not an easy task to keep a sailboat in great condition.  

Watching him come down the mask was pretty intense.  Happy to report that he made it down ok!

Ahoy, Matey!

Last night, while I was on the top deck doing homework, I heard british accents off in the distance.  When  I looked across I saw four older, british ladies on a rental houseboat across from us.  The best part was that they were wearing sailor hats!  They were certainly enjoying themselves!

One thing that I love about living in the marina is that you see so many different types of people.  In the month that I've been living on the houseboat I've seen a bride and her bridesmaids prepare to go to a wedding and also families from France, England and Germany!

Very often we see large tankers going in and out of the harbor.  It is hilarious to see the faces of people renting a houseboat when they are seeing one of these ships for the first time!  I know I was in awe of the first tanker I saw - they are HUGE!

Large tanker entering Boston Harbor at night

Shakespeare in the Park!

On Saturday I went to Shipyard Park in Charlestown Navy Yard to see the Orfeo Group perform The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).  It was presented by the Charlestown Working Theater in partnership with Friends of the Charlestown Navy Yard.  A hilarious piece of theatre! 

Orfeo Group performing in Shipyard Park

YouTube of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - performed by The Reduced Shakespeare Company

Charlestown Working Theater website