Restored Mayflower II Returning To Plymouth

PLYMOUTH, MA — The Mayflower is coming home to Plymouth.

Mayflower II, a reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the shores of the town in 1620, will head back to Plymouth starting July 20 after a restoration in Connecticut.

The ship will depart Mystic Seaport Museum's Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard at 9 a.m. under a tow from Mitchell Towing in Fairhaven. There will be several points along the Mystic River to view the ship.

The voyage can be tracked here. Mask-wearing and social distancing is urged for all those coming out to see the ship amid the coronavirus health emergency.

The ship will dock for two weeks in New London, Connecticut where sea trial tests will take place to determine whether it is safe to make the remainder of the trip to Plymouth.

"In a year marred by loss and great uncertainty in the world, we are hopeful that once again sailing Mayflower may offer a symbol of courage and perseverance to millions of people," said Ellie Donovan, Plimoth’s Executive Director in a post on the town's Facebook account. "We will be forever grateful to Mystic Seaport Museum for their partnership on this remarkable restoration, and we are thrilled to bring Mayflower home to Plymouth in this 400th commemoration year."

The ship is expected to arrive in Plymouth on or about Aug. 10. All dates and times are subject to change based on tide and weather conditions as well as other factors that may affect the safety of the ship and crew.