Saturday, February 26, 2011

Chantey Singing at San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park

On the first Saturday of every month San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park organizes a public sing-along of sea chanteys and sailor songs aboard a historic ship "Balclutha". The event starts at 8 pm and lasts until midnight. It usually attracts around 150-200 people, most of whom seem to be "regulars".

Several of my friends and I took part in it a few Saturdays ago (on the first Saturday of February) and we had lots of fun even though we didn't know most of the songs. It was really cool to be on a ship at night together with a big group of people enthusiastic about sailing and sailor songs.

An added bonus was a hot cider and hot chocolate that were served for free on the ship, as well as amazing views of San Francisco.

The event is free and I would definitely recommend checking it out.

The entrance to Hyde Street Pier:

A view of Ghirardelli Square from the ship:

On the ship:

View of Financial District, Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower from the ship:

The park is located in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood of San Francisco and the historic ships are anchored at Hyde Street Pier.