SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle often called “America’s Tall Ship” was back in San Diego this week, giving the public a rare chance to climb aboard the historic vessel.
At 295 feet, Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the American flag. Built nearly 90 years ago, the vessel still trains Coast Guard cadets and serves as a goodwill ambassador with Port calls around the world.
For Mark Grady, the ship holds special meaning. A 1996 Coast Guard Academy graduate, he sailed aboard Eagle during a 1993 voyage to Dublin, Ireland.
“We were in the North Atlantic midway through our crossing to Ireland when one of the halyards [one inch line] snapped,” Grady recalled. “They rang bells, woke us all up and we had two minutes to be up in the rigging hauling sails in.”
Now, decades later, he’s reliving those memories while showing his kids the same ship.
Visitors can step aboard the Eagle at San Diego’s B Street Pier through Sunday. Free public tours are offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eagle last visited San Diego in 2008, making this only her second stop in the city in more than 15 years.
“When people come here, they can expect to learn the history, see how the sails work, learn where the boat is from and why it’s here,” he said.
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