Wetting the bottom of the Charles W Morgan

After 4 ½ years of restoration the Charles W Morgan at Mystic Seaport in Mystic Connecticut is going back into the water. The plan is to lower the ship so the bottom will be wet but not allow it to float at this time. The actual launch will be July 21, 2013 on the 172nd anniversary of her original launch in 1841. The early wetting will allow the wood to swell and stop any leaks.

The Morgan is the last remaining wooden whale ship from the great age of sail. It is also the oldest American commercial ship afloat. This is significant because the bulk of the funds needed to restore her came from private and corporate donations.