<p>The Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in the world, departs from Mystic Seaport Saturday for her 38th voyage.</p> <p>In about a month, the Morgan will be docking in Vineyard waters, part of a three-month journey that will bring the whaling era back to life.</p>
The Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in the world, departs from Mystic Seaport Saturday for her 38th voyage.
In about a month, the Morgan will be docking in Vineyard waters, part of a three month journey that will highlight America's long-gone whaling era.
The wooden whaling ship has been carefully and completely restored at the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport. She is set to depart Mystic Seaport at 9:15 a.m. Saturday morning, when she will be pushed by a tugboat down the Mystic River and towed to New London. The Morgan will be followed by several others vessels, including the fishing vessel Roann, which was once owned by Roy Campbell of Vineyard Haven, and five whaleboats rowed by volunteers and Mystic Seaport staff.
Her destination is New London, Conn. There the ship will be ballasted, the sails will be attached and the crew will undergo sail training.
In the event of high wind and waves on Saturday, the departure will be postponed until Sunday. Information will be posted on Mystic Seaport’s website.
In 1841, the Charles W. Morgan sailed on her first whaling voyage, leaving New Bedford for a three-and-a-half-year journey. Her first captain was Thomas A. Norton of Edgartown.
The Morgan visited every ocean and brought in more than 54,000 gallons of whale oil, once a valuable commodity.
After 37 voyages, the Morgan last set sail on a whaling voyage in 1920. The Morgan has been at Mystic Seaport since 1941.
For her 38th voyage, the Charles W. Morgan will be under the care of Captain Kip Files of Rockland, Me. The ship will depart from New London, bound for Newport, R.I., on June 14. She is scheduled to come to Vineyard Haven harbor from June 21 to June 24. From there she will visit New Bedford, Boston and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Comments
I have always had a soft spot
Pete Podoloff Clermont FloridaI have always had a soft spot in my heart for old wooden boats. I started visiting the Morgan back in 1963. She was all trussed up surrounded by sand and cement which prevented her from moving about. I have visited her many times since and always picked a miserable day in the winter. The cold weather always kept most of the tourists away and many times I was almost alone and had the whole ship to myself. It was during these alone times I prayed that some day she would float on her own and feel the cold salt water wash over her bottom support her and rock gently on the waves. She was listening to me and there were times I could almost hear her giggle.
I may live 1200 miles south of her, but today as she felt the waves on Fishers Island Sound I know I heard her giggle and then laugh with a booming victorious laugh. She has defied the odds. The powers that be at Mystic Seaport made a very brave decision to not only do what was necessary to keep her in a condition that could preserve her as a static display but also make the decision to keep her in floating condition and then make the monumental decision to sail her under her own power. This decision was not an easy one & has certainly been a costly one but it is the right courageous one. decision The Morgan is on her way her 38th voyage has begun and I wish her "greasy luck".
I can remember as a child
Charles Haskell Murfreesboro,Tenn.I can remember as a child living in Conn. in the early 50s my parents took me to Mystic to see the Morgan. I fell ln love with her then and now to see her back in her true relm is one of the biggest thrills of my lifetime.
I have seen her in Mystic
George E. Martin Southport,Ct.I have seen her in Mystic many times in the last 50 years. I am hoping to get a invite to see her under sail in Newport R.I. My brother in law has a great sailboat at the war college ,I will ask for a day trip on his boat just to see this wonderful once in a lifetime event.
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