The last remaining New England whale ship with Vineyard connections — the Charles W. Morgan — may sail again. The president of Mystic Seaport spoke at a private fund-raising function recently in Edgartown, at the home of S. Bailey Norton, to report on the Morgan, now undergoing a $6 million restoration effort. It may take another $2 million to do the necessary work to get her to sail.
She is the only one left.
The Charles W. Morgan is the last surviving wooden whale ship, and while she has rested at a shipyard in Mystic, Conn. since 1941, her Vineyard ties are long and as intricate as a clove hitch knot.
Built at a New Bedford shipyard that was owned by a Chilmark family, her first captain and many of the crew were from the Vineyard.
And now a Vineyarder is leading the fund-raising effort to restore the Charles W. Morgan.
Island Light: Welcome June
Masts rise like spires in Vineyard Haven harbor.
Masts rise like spires in Vineyard Haven harbor.
Wind brings tree to life at the old Marine Hospital, the future Martha's Vineyard Museum.
Wind brings tree to life at the old Marine Hospital, the future Martha's Vineyard Museum.
Vestige of farming gone by in West Tisbury.
Vestige of farming gone by in West Tisbury.
Roadside bike wears her patriotism on Chilmark driveway.
Roadside bike wears her patriotism on Chilmark driveway.
Strong wind whips flag at Menemsha Texaco.
Strong wind whips flag at Menemsha Texaco.
American oystercatcher strolls along Sengekontacket searching for food.
American oystercatcher strolls along Sengekontacket searching for food.
West Tisbury wood pile, overgrown in spring.
West Tisbury wood pile, overgrown in spring.
Garden centers and hardware stores were the places to be this weekend as Islanders prettied up their yards and touched up their houses. With sun today, a hike might be just the right idea to enjoy the beautiful weather.