Pride of Baltimore II: World’s coolest yachts

Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and Andy Schell nominated Pride of Baltimore II. Here’s his report:

What sets Pride of Baltimore II above all the other boats I’ve encountered is the combination of the boat itself, her captain and crew, her history and what she represents. I grew up sailing on the Chesapeake, and Pride was our hometown tall ship. Her sleek, fast, Baltimore Clipper shape is unmistakable.

My favorite encounter was during the 2006 Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. I was racing on Woodwind, leading the fleet down the Bay. The wind shifted onto the quarter overnight and Woodwind’s upwind advantage disappeared.

Gazing aft on a moonless night, we could just make out the enormous silhouette of Pride’s rig in the darkness, her iconic square topsail black against the night. She freight-trained past us close by our starboard beam that night and the thought of that sight still gives me chills.

Her long-time captain Jan Miles is a master seaman and really sails his ship. Pride of Baltimore II is a reminder of how traditional seamanship never goes out of style.

Pride of Baltimore II Stats Rating:
Top speed: 15 knots
LOA: 32m
Launched: 1988
Berths: 24
Price Unknown
Adrenalin factor: 30%

For Yachting World’s list of cool boats, click here.