Mayflower II Comes Home Wednesday

Mayflower II will leave Fairhaven Shipyard at 5 a.m. Wednesday and will be back in Plymouth Harbor by 12:30 p.m.

After eight months in drydock, the 57-year-old replica ship will be towed home tomorrow morning with the tide. 

(This writer is particularly relieved because I'm getting tired of tourists asking me "Where is the Mayflower?")

Plimoth Plantation, the owner of the ship, says the ship's arrival will be met with "great fanfare and celebration."

"Plimoth Plantation appreciates the public’s patience in waiting for Mayflower II to return, and is committed to ensuring that the ship continues to inspire people for years to come," the museum said in a press release. 

The ship was taken to Fairhaven Shipyard last December for its annual repairs, when workers discovered serious issues with her hull and rudder. The repairs delayed the ship's return to its normal berth at State Pier for nearly four months. 

“We are delighted to have Mayflower II back in Plymouth,” State Senate President Therese Murray said in the release. “She is an integral part of the American and English communities and plays a vital role in our history and local economy. She has been sorely missed.”

Plimoth Plantation is hosting a community event celebrating the return of this historic ship. The Celebration Splash begins at noon at Plymouth State Pier with live music, Plimoth Plantation’s colonial role players, a Mayflower II Marketplace,   and specialty souvenirs.

A Homecoming Party begins at 2 p.m. at Nix’s Restaurant, Bar and Lounge on the Plymouth waterfront with trivia and prizes. More information on the ship, as well as other planned activities and events can be found on the “Save Our Ship” Web page, please visit: www.plimoth.org/sos.