Morgan Launch: Whether You're Going Or Not, You Might Just Need This Info

From Mystic Seaport: 

The launch of the Charles W. Morgan on Sunday, July 21 is expected to draw a large crowd to Mystic Seaport and the surrounding community. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early as traffic and parking will be strained.

Museum gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. The Morgan will be closed to the public on the day of the launch, but will reopen to visitors the following week.

Viewing the Launch: The launch ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the Shipyard. Viewing areas are standing-room only for safety reasons and to allow as many people as possible to see the launch. Portable chairs will not be permitted. Visitors should be prepared for hot weather and direct sun.

The launch can also be viewed through a live video stream under a tent on the Village Green; seats in the tent will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Room for wheelchairs will be available. Additionally, there will be audio speakers outside of the tent and visitors can set up lawn chairs and blankets on any grassy area of the green to listen to the proceedings.

The launch ceremony will take place rain or shine and is expected to take less than one hour. Once the launch commences, the ship will be gently lowered into the water in a process that will take approximately 20 minutes.

Parking: We anticipate the Museum's North and South parking lots will fill up early in the day. Visitors are encouraged to carpool or take alternative transportation. Free satellite parking with shuttle buses to Mystic Seaport will be available at the Brustolon GMC Buick Dealership at 47 Stonington-Westerly Rd, Mystic (Rte. 1). Shuttle buses will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors coming from the east are advised to get off I-95 at Exit 91 and go directly to the satellite lot to help ease traffic on Rte. 27.

Admission: Mystic Seaport will be charging its standard admission that day. As always, Museum members are admitted free. 

River Viewing: : A high boater turnout is expected on the Mystic River. Stonington and Groton Police and the U.S. Coast Guard will be on scene to maintain a perimeter around the ship and manage traffic on the river. The channel will need to remain clear. The Museum’s docks are sold out for the weekend. Visitors who tie up at the dinghy dock at the north end of the grounds will be directed to secure admission at the north gate.

Live Streaming: For those who wish to watch the event from home or at another location, Mystic Seaport will be offering a free online video feed of the launch on the Museum’s website (www.mysticseaport.org) beginning at 1:45 pm EDT. The entire ceremony and launch will also be available for on-demand viewing afterwards.

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Other Morgan launch stories, video and info here:

The Launch! Historic Morgan Splashes (Gently) Down Sunday!

U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Commemorating the Charles W. Morgan

Don't Even Think About Driving/Parking Near Seaport Sunday!

Next Generation Shipwrights? These Young Women

http://www.mysticseaport.org/event/morgan-launch/

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