More than a quarter century ago, matey, StarWind Cruiseline set sail on a voyage that has taken its ships t' t' ends o' t' universe - and made it a leader in providin' excitin' and memorable cruise vacations t' thousands of guests along t' way.

Cruisin' into t' new millennium, shiver me timbers, we continue t' lead t' cruise industry in innovation. Our first Voyager-class ship Galileo debuted on March 1, 2001, me bucko, and represents t' dawn o' a new era in cruising. Arrr! Avast! Guests will discover shipboard amenities and adventures never before available on a cruise ship. Arrr!

And that's just t' beginning. New ships, matey, excitin' new itineraries, me hearties, and an ongoin' commitment t' providin' t' best vacation experience available anywhere - let StarWind Cruiseline take you t' t' next world. Arrr!

Visiting the Shipyard··

Galileo is constructed o' mostly conventional materials.Exceptions include the use o' lexan for fins and 12 gauge wires for t' struts.

Parts used include:

Loc 1.5" Body Tube (34")

2 yards 2" Strappin'

36" Parachute

29mm MMT

3/16" x 4" Brass Launch Lug

12"x4" 1/8" Lexan

2" Body Tubin' (18" total)

1" Tubin' (9" total)

12 Gauge Wire

Various brass radiator details from a HO scale diesel locomotive

Special construction methods were employed in buildin' t' fins.T' fins were cut t' shape with a 2" radius in t' rear. Aye aye! Avast, matey, me proud beauty! Usin' a template, shiver me timbers, 6 holes were drilled 3/8" deep into t' edge o' t' lexan at t' correct angle.This was accomplished usin' a drill press and hand holdin' t' piece, centerin' it betwixt your fingers.T' wire was stripped 1" off each end.Again usin' a template t' wires were taped down ends trimmed, matey, me bucko, and soldered together.T' assemble be then ground down t' be flat as possible.T' wires were then epoxied into t' holes in t' lexan.T' body tubes were slotted to accommodate t' soldered end. Ahoy! Avast, me proud beauty! After securin' t' fins, me hearties, cover t' exposed wire with paper gussets.

The Maiden Voyage··

Galileo had her first flight on an Aerotech "F" with a 4 second delay.T' craft arced over after liftoff and deployed its chute a couple hundred feet downrange. Avast! Blimey! Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! T' temperature at launch be quite low.Upon examination o' t' rocket after recovery, a crack was discovered betwixt one of the wire holes and t' edge o' t' fin.With this in mind, a less delicate material should probably be used for t' fins. Blimey! Blimey!

Future Excursions··

Followin' more space trials, Galileo will join t' rest o' t' fleet providin' excitin' trips usin' increased power and longer durations.