Mystic, Conn. (May 1, 2014) – For the first time since her arrival in 1941, the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan will depart Mystic Seaport and head down the Mystic River on a journey to New London on Saturday, May 17. The trip is the first stage in her return to sea on her 38th Voyage.
Following a brief ceremony in the Museum shipyard, the ship will be towed down the Mystic River and pass through the Route. 1 drawbridge in downtown Mystic en route to Fishers Island Sound and the Thames River. She will berth at City Pier in New London sometime in the early afternoon. The Morgan will lead a procession of Museum watercraft and whaleboats.
Once in New London, the crew will finish fitting out the ship for her 38th Voyage, which will begin with a sail to Newport, RI scheduled for June 14.
WHAT: Departure Journey of the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan
WHEN: 8:45 a.m. on May 17, 2014
WHERE: Mystic Seaport and the Mystic River, Mystic, CT
WHO: Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Mystic Seaport President Steve White, Mystic Seaport Executive Vice President Susan Funk, Capt. Kip Files, 22nd captain of the Charles W. Morgan
Media Notes:
The ship will cast off and begin her journey downriver promptly at 9:15 a.m.
The trip is weather-dependent. Conditions not conducive to the tow will postpone the departure to the following day. A go/no go decision is intended for 6 p.m. on May 16, although deteriorating conditions overnight could result in a postponement the following morning. The Mystic Seaport website will have an updated status report.
Due to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, passenger slots for media onboard the ship are very limited. Once on board, all media representatives must remain on the ship until her arrival in New London.
Mystic Seaport will be recording the event from five locations: on board the ship, from a chase boat, on the shore at Mystic River Park, dockside in the Museum shipyard, and at City Pier in New London.
High-resolution still photos and HD video suitable for broadcast will be available for download by 3 p.m. on the press page of the Museum website.
Marine traffic can monitor radio transmissions on Channels 13/16.
About Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum is located one mile south of exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT. Admission is $24 for adults and $15 for children 6-17. Museum members and children under 5 are admitted for free. For more information, please visit https://mysticseaport.wpengine.com/
