The ship that wouldn't die: 170 years, 37 voyages, and one impossible comeback.
THE CHARLES W. MORGAN tells the extraordinary story of America's last wooden whale ship and the incredible saga of the first global industry dominated by the United States. From her humble beginnings in New Bedford, Massachusetts in the year 1841, the Morgan sailed 37 world voyages - where this "Lucky Ship" survived freeze-ups in the Arctic, attacks by south sea islanders, fire aboard ship and a host of other stories, each of which had the potential to end the vessel's life. Yet 170 years later, the Charles W. Morgan lives on, and after an extensive restoration project, is poised to sail again.
Production
Restoration footage that makes woodworking look like heart surgery.
Direction
Pryor treats a hunk of wood like a Hollywood leading man.
Cinematography
Gorgeous sailing sequences that justify the 42 minutes.
Director
Bailey Pryor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Morgan is now the oldest commercial vessel still afloat in the United States, berthed at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut where visitors can walk her decks.
Director Bailey Pryor spent six years on this project; the 2014 sailing marked the first time the Morgan moved under sail in nearly a century, requiring the Coast Guard to temporarily reclassify her as a 'new vessel.'
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