Rigging and Ballasting
Over the next few weeks, the focus of the Morgan’s restoration will be rigging and ballasting. Weather permitting, the bowsprit and lower foremast will be stepped on October 17.
Morgan Restoration
Preparing the Masts for Installation
The next step before installing the lower masts in the third week of October is to get the ship to ride lower in the water and allow seams higher up in the hull to swell.
The Morgan Launch
The Morgan was launched successfully on July 21. A crowd numbering in the thousands watched on land and water as she was lowered into the Mystic River.
Approaching the Launch
With only a few days to go before launch the shipwrights and naval engineer have developed a ballasting plan which will ensure the safe launch of the vessel.
Moving the Morgan
On Monday, June 24, the shipwrights will start the process of moving the Morgan sideways onto the main pad tracks leading to the shiplift.
Shutter Plank Installed and Caulking Complete
The Morgan restoration achieved two major milestones in May.
Shutter Plank to be Installed in Early May
Planking of the hull is nearly finished and seven planks plus the shutter plank remain to be placed. The shutter plank should be installed during the first week of May.
Planking Continues
As the planking continues on the Morgan, the starboard side is slightly ahead of the port side. It is anticipated that the shutter plank (the last plank) will be located in the port quarter and will be placed late April to early May.
100 Days until Launch
Friday, March 1 marks 100 working days until launch. All is on track to meet our schedule for launch this July and sailing the 38th Voyage in 2014.
On Target
“The Morgan is on target for a July 21, 2013 launch,” said Quentin Snediker, Director of the Shipyard.