Final Stages of MAYFLOWER II’s Homecoming Voyage Underway
Plimoth Plantation’s fully restored historic tall ship to make port stop at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy before homecoming to Plymouth on August 10; tickets to board ship on sale on August 8
On August 10, 2020, following a more than three-year, multi-million-dollar restoration, the 64-year-old Mayflower II will return home to Plymouth Harbor where it is a major exhibit of Plimoth Plantation, the living history museum of 17th century Massachusetts.
“Mayflower II is a unique educational resource that allows us to better understand American history, from the complex and interwoven stories of the Indigenous people and the Pilgrims in the 1600s, to renewed international alliances during World War II, and the search for a better life that has inspired people for centuries,” said Ellie Donovan, Plimoth Plantation’s Executive Director. “We are grateful to all whose generous support has enabled us to preserve those stories embodied in this historic ship.”
The ship left Mystic Seaport Museum’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard, where it was restored, on July 20, 2020 and was towed to New London’s City Pier. Led by Captain Whit Perry, Plimoth’s Director of Maritime Preservation and Operations, a crew of 27 conducted sea trials and sail training to ensure safe operation underway. On August 4, with Tropical Storm Isaias looming, Captain Perry moved the ship to New Bedford’s State Pier which afforded greater protection from the weather.
“Mayflower has performed exceptionally well underway, as has our fantastic sailing crew,” Perry said. “We are grateful for the warm reception and support we have received throughout our voyage, and we look forward to making our way home to Plymouth in the coming days.”
The ship’s penultimate stop will be to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, one of the Nation’s premier maritime colleges, where it is expected to arrive late in the day on August 8.
“Massachusetts Maritime Academy is proud to welcome Capt. Perry, the Mayflower II, and her crew to Taylor’s Point,” said Elizabeth Simmons, LP.D, Vice President of External Affairs. “Hosting the ship prior to her Plymouth arrival underscores the commitment that the Commonwealth’s Leadership University brings to maritime training and education.”
The public will not be able to board the ship at Mass Maritime, and it will not sail on August 9. On August 10, Mayflower will depart Mass Maritime under tow at approximately 8:45 a.m. and make its way through the Cape Cod Canal. There are several vantage points along the ship’s route down the canal.
Mayflower II’s Arrival to Plymouth Harbor
Once the ship is through the Cape Cod Canal, Captain Perry may set sail if weather conditions permit. The ship will be towed at times. As time and weather allow the ship will sail off the Gurnet at approximately 1:00 p.m. Following any sailing that may take place, Mayflower will make its way into Plymouth Harbor under tow, arriving to the State Pier at DCR’s Pilgrim Memorial State Park at approximately 3:00 p.m.
All times are approximate and subject to change based on weather, tide, wind and other factors that may impact the safety of the ship and the crew. Those wishing to track Mayflower can use the MarineTraffic app or website: www.marinetraffic.com. Search for Mayflower and choose the US sailing vessel result.
Spectators at all points along the ship’s route and on the Plymouth waterfront are asked to be mindful of local regulations and to practice physical distancing and mask-wearing for the safety of others. Please follow Plimoth Plantation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for images and video throughout the day, including live video when possible. In the days following the ship’s arrival, we will post videos and photo galleries to enjoy. Visit www.plimoth.org for updated information on the ship’s journey and general museum visitation. To support the museum’s fundraising efforts for the restoration of Mayflower and her shallop, please visit https://inspire.plimoth.org/mayflower-ii-restoration/ or text MAYFLOWER to 313131.
Plimoth is grateful for the generous support of Mayflower’s homecoming journey lead sponsor Tech-Etch, as well as major supporters Coca-Cola, Mayflower Brewing Company, Howland Capital Management, Pathstone, RSM, ADT, Harbourtown Plymouth, Rogers & Gray, Cigna, G&G Silkscreen and Embroidery, and Tiny & Sons. For information on all sponsors, please visit www.plimoth.org/mayflowervoyage.
Coming Aboard the Newly Restored Mayflower II
Mayflower II, docked at her berth on Plymouth’s historic waterfront, will open to the public on August 12. In order to manage capacity and wellness protocols, tickets will be timed. Due to strong demand we encourage purchasing tickets in advance online at plimoth.org, beginning August 8. Masks or face coverings are required for all staff and visitors. Plimoth’s waterfront Museum Shops are stocked with Mayflower souvenirs and are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as online at www.plimoth.com. The Plimoth Grist Mill, located at 6 Spring Lane in Plymouth, is a 10-minute walk through Brewster Gardens along Town Brook and is also open for visitors!
# # #
About Plimoth Plantation
Through powerful personal experiences of history, Plimoth Plantation tells the stories of the Wampanoag people and the English colonists who created a new society – in collaboration and in conflict – in the 1600s. Major exhibits include Mayflower, the historic Patuxet Wampanoag Homesite, the 17th-Century English Village, and the Plimoth Grist Mill. Located less than an hour’s drive south of Boston, and 15 minutes north of Cape Cod, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. A private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution, the Museum is supported by admission fees, donations, memberships, and revenue from a variety of educational programming, dining and gift shops. Plimoth Plantation is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses. For more information, visit www.plimoth.org. Follow the Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and Mayflower on Facebook and Instagram.
