A wooden whaleship sails again

Charles W. Morgan Launches Again

"Mytic Mist" -- Ron Druett

Sunday, July 21, 2013
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The whaleship Charles W. Morgan, the oldest American commercial vessel still afloat and a National Historic Landmark, has undergone a multi-year, comprehensive restoration in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport. The project, which began in November 2008, renewed areas of the vessel from the waterline down to her keel and also addressed the bow and stern. On July 21, the 172nd anniversary of the vessel's initial launch, she will be launched again.

At high tide a ceremonial breaking of a bottle over the Morgan's bow and lowering of the vessel into the Mystic River will highlight the day's celebration. Guest speakers, including state and local dignitaries, will speak about the vessel's important role in Connecticut history, the whaling industry, and our nation's maritime heritage.

There will be special Morgan-related presentations and demonstrations, including talks from the shipwrights who worked on the restoration. Listen to live music from the Museum's chanteymen and take part in numerous family-friendly activities. Join us for this historic occasion as we celebrate a national treasure -- it's a once-in-a-lifetime event not to be missed!

The 38th Voyage

In the late spring of 2014, the Morgan will embark on a historic 38th Voyage to historic ports in New England. The journey will begin with several weeks in New London, where she will finalize her fitting out and conduct sail training. This will also include events celebrating the city's whaling heritage. The Morgan will then sail to Newport, New Bedford (where she was built and sailed from for much of her career), Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard, through the Cape Cod Canal on the centennial anniversary of its opening, Provincetown, which she will use as a base for day sails among the whales on Stellwagon Bank, and finally to Boston to join the USS Constitution.

Each port stop will have a series of public events and programs focusing on that particular city's heritage. When she returns to Mystic Seaport in August 2014, the Morgan will return to her berth at Chubb's Wharf and resume her role as an exhibit and flagship of the Museum.