1877 Tall Ship Elissa – Galveston, Texas
Built in 1877 in Aberdeen, Scotland by Alexander Hall & Company Elissa is a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship. There are 19 sales covering over one-quarter of an acre in surface area. Elissa is a barque because it has square and for-and aft sales on her fore and mainmasts, but only four and aft sails on her mizzenmast. Elissa measures 205 feet from her stern to the tip of her jibboom. Standing 99 feet and 9 inches at the main mast she can displace about 620 tons at her current ballast.
Elissa is the original ship, not a replica. He had over 90 years of commercial use as she carried a variety of cargoes to ports around the world. Her working life as a freighter came to an end in Piraeus Harbor, Greece, where she was rescued from the scrap yard by a variety of ship preservationists who refused to let her die.
Today Elissa is much more than an artifact from a bygone era. She is a fully-functional vessel that continues to sail annually during sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike many museum ships, which are permanently moored, Elissa actually sails on a regular basis. Her size and complexity make it expensive to take her out. Also, there are a lot of special preparations that have to be made in order for the U.S. Coast Guard to give her a green light for sailing. Since she’s so rare and unique, it takes qualified officers to command her – another expense. Finally, the people that make her go – the crew – are made up almost entirely of volunteers and it takes a huge effort to train them to sail her safely.
If you want, you may be able to participate in an overnight sailing experience. You can imagine yourself back in the day when the ship was used to bring necessary supplies to a young and growing Texas. There was Texas cotton to be hauled, lumber and grain and well as other items that were critical to the growth and development of Texas. The overnight is called “It’s a Sailors’ Life” and is based in education as well as fund. You will be involved in teamwork, self-reliance, discipline and hard work.
“It’s a Sailor’s Life”
Overnight QUICK LOOK
Ages: 8 & up.
Group Size: 30 minimum; 40 maximum.
Cost: $40 per person.
Deposit: $240.00 reserves your date.
Days: Friday or Saturday overnight.
Time: 6:30pm-9:00am
Chaperones: Minimum 1 adult per 5 students.
Food: Eat dinner before arrival; breakfast served aboard ship.
Souvenirs: Gift shop open immediately following program.
To tour the ship:
Texas Seaport Museum Admission
Open 10am – 5pm daily (last ticket is sold at 4:30pm)
Visit ELISSA at her temporary berth at Pier 21 at the foot of 21st street just east of Texas Seaport Museum and next to Olympia Grill restaurant. Purchase admission tickets and harbor tour tickets in our white tent on the dock.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Adult [Age 19 yrs and up]
$8.00
Student [Age 6 through 18]
$5.00
Child [Age 5 and under]
FREE
Galveston Historical Foundation members
FREE
Discounts are available for advance group tours.
Call 409-763-1877 for prices and scheduling.
Come experience her magic at Texas Seaport Museum, Pier 21, Galveston, Texas.