Eagle Departs Portsmouth

On Monday August 5, 2019 I had the opportunity to photograph and video the departure of the U.S. Coast Guard tall ship Eagle from Portsmouth from onboard the historic Gundalow barge. The Gundalow put up its single sail but primarily ran on its engine. We headed up river to see the Eagle leave the wharf. Along the way we were treated to seeing the Memorial Drawbridge raise its center span to allow us passage. The group of kids onboard were all excited and waved to the bridge workers as we passed underneath.

We arrived near the wharf in time to see the tugboat pushing the Eagle gently towards the wharf so the mooring ropes could be castoff. The Eagle got underway while a small but appreciative group of spectators onboard the Gundalow and the Schooner Lynx watched. It was a different perspective to see the Eagle from the water rather than standing onshore.

The Gundalow unfurled its sail.

We passed the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

One of the giant cranes

Scaffolding around the tower of a submarine being serviced.

The exposed lower part of the pier indicated we were nearing low tide.

 A lobster boat is part of Portsmouth & Kittery's working waterfront.

Memorial Drawbridge

Bridge worker monitoring our passage.

Schooner Lynx joined us.

Tugboat pushes the Eagle toward wharf to allow the mooring ropes to cast off.

We passed the old Naval Prison

 

The Gundalow's canon may be small but it makes a big bang.

A 5 minute video of the Eagle's departure.