A team of boatbuilders from the Apprenticeshop in Rockland has embarked on an incredible journey indeed, rowing a 30′ open whaleboat from Maine to Mystic, Connecticut. The crew of nine — seven apprentices and two instructors — worked all winter to build the historic whaleboat for the Charles W. Morgan. Six other whaleboats were commissioned by Mystic Seaport to be used aboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last remaining original whaling ship and currently undergoing an extensive restoration in Mystic.
After a launching/commissioning ceremony June 16 attended by friends, family, and even Matthew Stackpole, of Mystic Seaport, the vessel departed Rockland. Accompanying the whaleboat is a crew aboard the 36′ Bud McIntosh schooner Advent, serving as a support vessel, sometimes-tow vessel, and crew-rest ship.
Day 1 saw the team pass through Port Clyde and enjoying their first nightly stop, in South Bristol — a 31-mile voyage. Day 2 had them cross the mouth of the Sheepscot River and finally to Phippsburg, near Fort Popham. The plan for June 18’s voyage is to reach Portland.
After Portland, the whaleboat is scheduled for stopovers in Rockport and New Bedford, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; and finally a grand arrival in Mystic in time for the WoodenBoat Show, where it will be on display June 28-30.
Keep an eye on USHarbors for more updates as the whaleboat makes its way south. To follow the whaleboat’s journey on the Apprenticeshop’s blog, click here.
Photos of Whaleboat Crew Aims to Row from Maine to Mystic
