Mister Christian!

Well aarrrrgh, shiver me timbers, matey! Ahoy!

Come aboard and sail the seven seas! Strolling on the beach the other day, I noticed this gallant vessel moored at the pier and checked it out. It turned out to be the HMS Bounty, on a port visit. This replica of the original ship was built in Nova Scotia in 1960 for the movie Mutiny on the Bounty, starring Marlon Brando as Fletcher Christian, who along with most of the crew, took over the ship from the notorious Captain Bligh. At 180 feet long from bowsprit to stern, this version is about one quarter larger than the original Bounty, and has more headroom below decks to accomodate the large 1960 vintage cameras that were used in making the movie. The ship has been used in more recent films as well, one of the latest being Pirates of the Caribbean-Dead Man's Chest, starring Johnny Depp.

Otherwise, with the exception of modern life rafts and auxiliary engines, it's quite authentic, and travels under sail whenever possible. One thing that has always fascinated me about old, large sailing ships is the intricate rigging. Check it out on the mainmast here. The ship is crewed by mostly young sailors who scramble aloft to work the sails...not an easy task, especially in heavy weather. Blow the pic up and notice the uncertain footing on the crows nests, especially the upper one.

The captain's quarters in the stern are rather spacious, but other accomodations on board are spartan and cramped. I saw a couple of staterooms...they are maybe 70-80 square feet max. Back in the crew's quarters bunks are the rule. On the original ship, the crew shared belowdecks with livestock, brought aboard so the officers could have fresh meat. Not a luxury trip by any means! But it was very interesting to tour the ship. You can sail on the Bounty for $150-200 a day, learning seamanship and getting a taste of what seafaring used to be like. The ship is currently working its way down the coast, attending tall ships festivals; then, it will sail from San Diego to Hawaii from mid September to mid October...takes a month to get there! 'Twould be an adventure, aaarrrgh! I'd be tempted if I was about 10 inches shorter, 100 pounds lighter, and 20 years younger.