It took thirteen days. It covered more than 300 miles. It involved oar-power, sail-power, motor-power. Most importantly, it took guts. But on June 29, the crew of young boatbuilders from the Apprenticeshop in Rockland, Maine, succeeded in delivering the new whaleboat that they created by hand to the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport.
The final day, like a few of the others on this remarkable journey, was not without a few twists and turns that tested both the whaleboat crew and their support system. Waking up to thunderstorms and rain in Point Judith, the crew had to make the difficult call whether to try and push into the foul weather or call for backup. Knowing that their journey was not just about rowing and sailing 310 miles from Maine to Mystic, but also arriving in time to treat attendees at the 22nd Annual WoodenBoat Show to a firsthand view of the whaleboat, they opted for a trailer to carry them near the harbor. They launched nearby and were able to arrive at their destination by boat at about 3:30 p.m., passing under the stern of their new mothership as the Mystic Seaport crew heralded their arrival with a volley of cannon fire.
Every journey that ends with all hands and all smiles is a successful one — and this was a successful voyage indeed. Bravo!
Photos of Mission Accomplished: Whaleboat Completes Bold Voyage
