The Balclutha—sailing cargo ship extraordinaire

If you visit San Francisco, be sure to visit the historic Balclutha, one of the last cargo ships to use the wind for propulsion (wind technology might experience a resurgence soon as a supplement to bunker-fuel). Triple-masted, and built for trips around Cape Horn through 70-foot waves, she was a ship that did not suffer fools or cowards.

Keeping in mind that precise focus is uncertain, and there is atmospheric haze, examine the actual pixels extreme corner crops—they’re awfully good considering the range of focus and that it’s a full-frame camera. Click the image below to see them.

Nikon D3 + 24-70/2.8G, 1/2500 @ f/8, ISO 400

Moored permanently at the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco (Hyde Street and Jefferson near Ghiradelli Square), she bobs idly while awaiting visitors who would never consider eating salt pork or hardtack.

Nikon D3 + 24-70/2.8G @ 27mm, f/5.6 @ 1/1250 sec handheld, ISO 400