SAN DIEGO -- Time is running out to see the oldest active sailing ship in the world before it is pulled from the water for three weeks. The Star of India first set sail nearly 150 years ago when Lincoln was president. Since arriving in San Diego in 1927, the ship has become the star attraction of the San Diego Maritime Museum, bringing in about 180,000 people every year.

If all goes according to plan, the San Diego icon will still be around but economics and maritime requirements require that some changes be made.

"Once you put a ship in the water repairs start immediately," Jim Davis, the Star of India's first mate, said.

Davis said that while the original iron hull has held up well, every ten years the Coast Guard demands the ship be pulled from the water. That will happen August 18. The ship will go into dry dock for at least three weeks for repairs at a cost of nearly $220,000.

Davis said, "While the repairs have to be made the downside is there isn't enough money left to take the Star out to sea this year."

To keep tradition alive, volunteers train every weekend in preparation for one thing: to take the Star of India out to sea on the anniversary of her launch every November. However, this year the strain of raising the money for repairs on top of an already struggling economy means the traditional journey won't happen this year.

"No, not this year," Davis said. "We're spending all of our money. With the economic environment this is all we can afford to do so she won't be sailing on her annual sail in November."

The last event before the ship is pulled from the water for three weeks will be a movie on the mast on August 15.