The Balclutha.
Essay.
At over three hundred feet in length and one hundred and forty five feet in height, the Balclutha is a major attraction housed at the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco.
Launched in Glasgow, Scotland in 1886 this square rigged cargo ship was built to carry everything from grain to fish to lumber and much more worldwide. Over two dozen seafaring crew members are needed to handle the ship while on a voyage.
It is housed along with other seafaring vessels at Hyde Street Pier right off of Aquatic Park. Before the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, the Hyde Street pier was the main ferry terminal between San Francisco and Marin. It is now a part of the San Francisco Maritime Park Association. The pier is open to the public and offers tours of their ships. There is an annual Hyde Street Pier festival for tourists and locals alike.
Touring the ships is not only a learning experience but an enjoyable one as well. If you love ships and sailing, this is the attraction for you. I’ve toured the ships many times and I never get tired of visiting.
