USS Constitution in Dry Dock 1 - Charlestown

[Manfred M]

As a scuba diver, I tended to explore ships like these when they are sitting on the bottom of a lake, river or ocean, so I thought it might be a real treat to see one that is still in operation after a couple of hundred years... Unfortunately, we got there about a month too late as she was but in dry dock for a 3-year restoration projects, so we got a bit of an unexpected view.

This is an ultrawide-angle shot showing the dry dock and scaffolding. There is a ship in there somewhere...





I just about totally blew this shot; I was shooting indoors at ISO 3200 and forgot to set the ISO back to something more suitable for the light conditions. At 1/8000th sec shutter speed at an 18mm focal length, I suspect this is almost as steady a shot as had I used a tripod.

[Cantab]

That's quite a shot! Manfred, do you have any idea what the white thing above the ship is?

[Manfred M]

Its most of the bowsprit; the wide angle shot makes it look a bit weird and I suspect that there is a small wood spar is used to complete it. A lot of the masts seem to have metal bottoms with wooden tops, so the metal is in place, but all of the wood has been removed and placed aside during the repair work.

[Cantab]

I'd initially wondered if it was the bowsprit, looking weird because of the wide angle perspective. I also briefly thought it looked like the Canadarm transplanted from one of NASA's shuttles.

[Manfred M]

I'd initially wondered if it was the bowsprit, looking weird because of the wide angle perspective. I also briefly thought it looked like the Canadarm transplanted from one of NASA's shuttles.

A slightly different angle clarifies what it is...

[Ziggy]

Makes for a very nice image. Lot to see.

[IzzieK]

You? make a mistake...unbelievable! Only we mortals makes a mistake.... Anywho, it looks good no matter what angle you did on both shots. I wonder how long that had been in the water before someone actually made a decision to restore it...

[flashback]

The U.S.S. Constitution was launched in 1797 and earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" in the War of 1812. She is the world's oldest, commissioned naval vessel afloat! This is just one of many previous dry dock restorations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Co..._HMS_Guerriere
I'd a wished for some closer shots of the ship, maybe some interior shots but I suppose time dictates.

[Manfred M]

I'd a wished for some closer shots of the ship, maybe some interior shots but I suppose time dictates.

I have a few more shots and might post them. Unfortunately, the whole place was a construction site and there was no access below deck and much of the deck itself was covered in tarps to protect the ship during the restoration process. Thoroughly disappointing from that standpoint.

Even the sailor on cash selling souvenirs had a modified uniform (hard hat).





The Navy uses nice white tarps....

[joebranko]

I am surprised you were able to get this close, never mind getting below deck! Great shot!

[TonyW]

Those are nice pictures and it is an impressive vessel. I am glad I didn't have the job of sanding its bottom.

[Manfred M]

I am surprised you were able to get this close, never mind getting below deck! Great shot!

Metal detector, bag search and photo ID required to visit it. Technically she is still a commissioned warship, and the Navy has its rules.