The ship Mayflower II, a 64-year-old historic reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the shores of historic Patuxet in 1620, began the voyage home from Mystic Seaport on July 20, 2020 where the three-year restoration work took place. The ship was originally built in Brixham, England, beginning in July 1955 and was intended as a gift to the people of America from the people of England to honor the bonds of friendship formed during World War II Click here for a five-minute video of the ship and its crew.

Nearly 70% of the ship’s timbers, planking, structural frames, knees, and beams have been replaced, using six types of wood from eight states and as far away as Denmark. During two weeks in New London, the crew conducted sea trials to test the ship’s performance and perform sail training to ensure safe operation underway.

(Above) Members of the nine-member crew loosen the lines that hold the sails to the yardarm as the St. George’s Cross flies above them.

The ship was expected to arrive in Plymouth on or about August 10 after a stop in Newport, RI.

Click here for a five-minute video of the ship and its crew.

Click here for the Boston Globe story about the Mayflower II’s return voyage to Plymouth.

Click here for a 2011 30-minute tour of the Mayflower by then New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang in Fairhaven, MA.