Tall Ships, Windjammers & Fore and Aft Schooners

The term tall ship came into widespread use in the mid-20th century with the advent of The Tall Ships' Races, and was not generally used in the era when such ships were the norm. The term's popularity may have stemmed from its use in a well-known nautical poem by English Poet Laureate John Masefield entitled Sea Fever, first published in 1900. Generally, Tallships are defined as large traditionally rigged sailing vessel. (Square sails) Popular modern tall ship rigs include topsail schooners, fore and aft schooners, brigantines, brigs and barques. Windjammers are ships designed as merchant ships, but otherwise also tall ships. Fore and aft schooners played an important role in the early development of America's maritime history, and by 1820 outnumbered all other types of vessels in Maine. Curlew is a fore and aft schooner, but in her case was designed as a yacht, hence her sleeker overall design. None the less, we have been fortunate enough to have participated in many of the local tall ship festivals, and are one of the oldest authentic schooners on the west coast.

Above: Curlew takes on the San Diego Maritime Museums 145 ' Topsail Schooner Californian. Curlew carries 2 Herreshoff bronzed forged signal cannons, which are quite loud, but certainly no match for the 12 pounders carried on the Californian

Right: Curlew side ties with other tall ships for the annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point California.

 Left: Curlew moves in to attack the 130' three masted schooner American Pride.

Curlew and American Pride fire at point blank range.