THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506010228
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER CHRISTMAN
STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
A HISTORY BUFF I am not.
Whenever my parents dragged me to the Smithsonian Institution as a kid, I was always more enlightened by the cafeteria's revolving buffet than the exhibits.
In fact, I probably never would have inspected the Elizabeth II, a representation of a 16th-century vessel, if it wasn't my job. And I even live right across the street.
But my visit to the ship was quite enjoyable - and I even learned a thing or two.
Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and $1.50 for students of any age. Admission includes a viewing of ``The Roanoke Voyage,'' a 15-minute film about the horrors of 16th-century sailing and a tour of the ship. Tours depart every 30 to 45 minutes.
I crept into the film late but arrived just in time to witness a disgruntled and nauseated shiphand cursing, ``Oh, great God ocean,'' before vomiting into a bucket.
The beauty of history.
After the film, we winded down the tree-lined path to the ship. Against the sunny sky, the Elizabeth II in all her three-masted splendor on a sun-glistening bay was beautiful to see.
Our guide, Dee Dee Ellicott, told us the ship is 69 feet long, 17 feet wide and draws eight feet of water. I was surprised to find out the Elizabeth II, which was built about 12 years ago, is fully sailable and recently made a voyage to a local seafood festival.
Although the public can leisurely poke through most of the ship, we were not permitted to enter areas such as the captain's quarters or the beak's head, or bathroom, area.
People chuckled as Ellicott explained the slotted beak's head area.
``When men had to take care of necessary functions, they'd go out there on the beak's head, do what they needed to do - checking to make sure which way the wind was blowing,'' she said. ``And as the ship went through water, the ocean would wash up through the slots.''
My fellow visitors seemed equally impressed with the Elizabeth II, although some said they had seen bigger.
H.F. Haggard of Arlington, Va., said the ship was not quite like the 2,500-passenger aircraft carriers he sailed in the Navy.
``This ship is cute,'' he said, smiling.
Jeremy Ferace, a 7-year-old Pittsburgh resident, said the ship was ``cool.'' Without elaborating, he bolted toward the musty cargo area, shouting pirate threats.
``It's intriguing, especially for the kids,'' Ellicott said. ``Kids just love it. They all think it's a pirate ship. The parents really have to drag them away.''
The ship itself is not as impressive to see as the tale is to hear. It is said that 55 passengers sailed on the original vessel - 25 on the top deck and 30 in the cargo area. And I thought our tour of about 20 people was crowded.
As I scribbled notes, I heard a devilish English accent behind me: ``Writing? Most uncommon for a woman.''
Before belting the communicator of the sexist remark, I whirled around to see the costumed Michael Merritt, who plays the role of boatswain on the ship. Michael is one crew member who will participate in living re-enactments beginning June 6.
A visit to the Elizabeth II is an interesting experience for everyone, even non-history enthusiasts like myself. I might even go back - if not to see the living history, then at least to use the picnic tables nearby. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
Christopher Graham, 23, of Manteo, and Matt Opatrny, 20, of
Wanchese, living history characters aboard the Elizabeth II, look
out from the rigging atop the sailing ship.
WHAT & WHERE
What: The Elizabeth II
Where: Manteo Waterfront
Admission: Adults, $3; seniors $2; students $1.50
Parking: Free
Hours: Every day from 10 a.m to 6 p.m.. Last tour departs at 5
p.m.
For more information: 473-1144
by CNB