Skip to content

Shave and a Haircut for Ol’ Balclutha

Still lookin’ good 123 years after her launch, Balclutha will be hauled out in Alameda until spring.

© Capt. Jack Goldthorpe

No San Francisco landmark commemorates the city’s rich maritime history more dramatically than the 301-ft (LOA) square-rigger Balclutha. Built of steel in Scotland in 1886 to haul bulk grain, her half-century-long commercial career took her around Cape Horn 17 times. Since arriving at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park decades ago, she has been the centerpiece of the historic ship exhibits along the Hyde St. Pier, giving thousands of visitors per year insights into life at sea during the so-called Age of Sail. 

If you’ve noticed that this familiar icon has been conspicuously absent lately, fear not. She is merely in dry dock at Alameda’s Bay Ship and Yacht getting a minor overhaul. Until Balclutha returns to the Historical Park this spring the 136-ft gaff topsail schooner Bill of Rights will be subbing for her. Look for more on Balclutha in the February edition of Latitude 38.

Leave a Comment




We’re not sure if Thursday’s big opening day crowds at the San Diego Boat Show were there because of the economy — or in spite of it.
"Yes," say Rob and Mary Miller, who did the first Ha-Ha in ’94, then cruised most of the way around the world for the next 11 years aboard their 44-ft Maude I.