what year was she birthed, was she for private or public/government use, what is her name, where is she docked, and where is her birth place?

The Star of India is the world is oldest active ship. She began her life on the stocks at Ramsey Shipyard in the Isle of Man in 1863

http://sdmaritime.com/contentpage.asp?ContentID=48

l see her everyday.

Edit: Sailor Kev. l stand corrected.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution

Learn somethin' new every day.


Oh yeah, uh.. seaworthy? Day sailing. fine. Big waves? Better you than me.

Well, the USS Constitution was launched in 1797, and still sails occasionally, so she trumps the Star of India (a beautiful ship with a fascinating history).

hms victory built in 1759 and is the oldest naval vessel in the world still in comission portsmouth england

For a Government Vessel is recommend Her Majesty is Ship Victory. She was Admiral Horatio Nelson is Flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar. She was a 100 gun ''First Rate'' vessel. Construction began on July 23,1759 & she slipped down the ways on May 7, 1765. She is now on display at the Historic Dockyard in No.2 Drydock at Portsmouth is Royal Navy Dock Yard. She is believed to be seaworthy.

The Star of India is believed to be the Oldest ACTIVELY Sailing ship in the world at 143 years of age.

The Star of India in San Diego, CA is the oldest sailing vessel still seaworthy that periodically sails off of San Diego for special occasions.