Ahoy, matey. Even the most confirmed landlubbers will be transformed into savvy sea dogs after boarding one of Mystic Seaport's many historic vessels. From the world's last wooden whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan, to the last example of early 20th-century New England fishing vessels, the L.A. Dunton, these vessels offer a glimpse of long-past seafaring days.

And you can do a lot more than just look. Take a cruise along the historic Mystic River aboard the 1908 steamboat Sabino, who is celebrating her 100th birthday this year. Help set a sail aboard the full-rigged Joseph Conrad. Or, participate in our ever-popular "Dead Horse Ceremony."

The Charles W. Morgan is towed to the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport to begin a three-year restoration effort.

The Morgan's $5 million restoration project will renew areas of the vessel from the waterline down to below the turn of her bilge, including parts that haven't been seen since she was built more than 160 years ago.

A National Historic Landmark and the Museum's signature vessel, the Morgan was built in 1841 in New Bedford, MA. During her 80-year whaling career, she made 37 voyages across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. In 1941, the Morgan came to Mystic Seaport where millions of visitors have since walked her decks.

 

Video edited by: Brandon Morgan

Olin J. Stephens II, America's preeminent yacht designer of the 20th century -- died September 13, 2008 -- five months to the day after celebrating his 100th birthday.

Widely recognized as the most respected, admired and accomplished yacht designer of the 20th century, Stephens once said, "I was lucky: I had a goal. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to design fast boats." And this is exactly what he did. He began his career at the age of 19 working as an apprentice for successful 6-meter yacht designer Phillip Rhodes. On November 11,1929, the 21-year-old Stephens joined forces with well-known yacht broker Drake Sparkman and Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. was formed. The naval architecture and yacht design firm's first major design -- a yacht named Dorade -- won the much-publicized 1931Trans-Atlantic Race. She then went on to win the 1936 TransPac, finishing first in class and first overall. A new era of yacht design had begun.

Stephens' name is most often associated with the prestigious America's Cup Race. In 1937, he collaborated with W. Starling Burgess to design the Super-J, Ranger, which was later selected to defend the Cup after only seven races. Sparkman & Stephens went on to design many of the most revered 12-Meters that raced for the Cup, including Columbia, Constellation, Freedom, Intrepid and Courageous. In 1993, Stephens' and his winning designs were honored when he was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame.

Stephens designed more than 2,000 boats throughout his career, many of which still grace the water today. After eight decades of brilliant work, he has left a lasting impact on the maritime community. His numerous designs, contributions and commitment to the worlds of yacht racing and cruising are cherished, as is he.

This video is a tribute to his life and legacy.

Learn more about Stephens' life and career in his autobiography, All This and Sailing, Too.

See the Charles W. Morgan like you've never seen her before. The Charles W. Morgan: Voyages of the Past, Present and Future Buzz Card is an interactive CD-ROM that takes you on deck and below to view the ship with a fantastic 3-D panoramic virtual tour. Facts about the Morgan and whaling as well as fun games and demonstratons round out your experience on board one of the nation's most famous whaling ships.  The American Library Association has named the Buzz Card to its 2006 list of Notable Computer Software for children. The association recognizes high-quality computer programs for children 14 years of age and younger.  You can find the Buzz Card at the Seaport Store or online at our website.

Mystic Seaport has a lot to offer. Mark Starr tells you all about it.