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Mystic Seaport, Mystic CT
A still photograph doesn't do this justice. After the ceremonial christening with water from the oceans in which the Morgan sailed, the ship was slowly lowered into the water by the lift dock until she was once again afloat. She'll be moved from the lift dock to a nearby dock where she'll be open to the public as she undergoes her final restoration during the next year. The boat in the foreground is a replica of a whale boat that the Morgan would have carried onboard during her voyages searching for whales. As part of the restoration, Mystic Seaport commissioned that 10 of these whale boats be built by 9 different shipbuilding organizations in seven states to exact specifications. A number of them were on display throughout the day, rowed by museum staff members.
Looks like a great day for all the people there to watch is event. Your photo captures the excitement in the air.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff. I wonder if there was this much excitement when the Morgan was first launched back in 1841? I kind of doubt it. It was fun day.
DeleteBack in the day the launching of a ship was mostly about business and economics. I'm sure the ship building company and the whaling company were there along with local dignitaries. Likely a much smaller celebration. This ship takes a sizable crew of skilled sailors to operate. Wonder how often it will actually sail?
DeleteIt is a big enough ship that it needs to be launched slooooowly and carefully.
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