Sailing the Morgan
With the announcement of the Museum’s intention to sail the Morgan after her restoration, the scope and timeline of the project has changed. Shipyard personnel knew this would be the case when they undertook a feasibility study to determine the practicality of sailing her. According to Seaport President Steve White the cost to restore the Morgan to sailing condition will be $6 million and the expense of sailing her will be $2 million. Originally it was planned to relaunch her in July 2011. This date has been extended to 2012 with the intention of being at sea in the summer of 2013.
Going into the restoration project, the shipwrights planned to replace much of the planking, ceiling and framing of the underwater hull along with the stem, some of it historic material original to the vessel. This undertaking was necessary to restore sufficient structural integrity to the hull to permit Morgan‘s return to Chubb’s Wharf as a static exhibit. Additional work is now required to achieve the goal of getting her underway. Several spars, including the bowsprit and the lower foremast, were planned to be replaced. This number will now undoubtedly change and the condition of the rigging and sails will be reevaluated. Systems will be upgraded, including heating and ventilation, and further naval engineering assessments of stability and ballasting will be undertaken. There is, of course, a tension between balancing responsible preservation and the requirements to sail her safely.
Progress on removing the ceiling has accelerated with the completion of the between decks overhead crane system. With the ceiling’s removal much of the framing is now exposed. The shipwrights have verified what they expected; there are many rotten frames and planks. They are consulting with a wood technology expert from Syracuse University who has offered his expertise.
Sailing the Morgan is no small logistical task. She will categorized by the Coast Guard as “an uninspected passenger vessel,” which means among other things that she can carry up to twelve passengers in addition to crew. Consideration is being given to using Roann as an escort and support vessel. Temporary systems will be installed to provide navigational and safety features.