EP-174 Project Mayflower: Building and Sailing a 17th Century Replica with Dick Stone

Welcome to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States podcast! In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with veteran media professional and author Dick Stone to explore the remarkable true story behind the construction and voyage of the Mayflower II. Episode Highlights The Origins of Project Mayflower: Dick recounts how a group of British veterans, led by Warwick Charlton, decided to build and sail a replica of the original Mayflower as a gift of gratitude to the United States after World War II. A Tale of Two Visionaries: Learn how the British initiative merged with the dream of New Englander Henry Hornblower, who was simultaneously working to establish the Plymouth Plantation museum in Massachusetts. Authentic Construction: Discover the challenges of building a 17th-century wooden ship using historical designs and materials, and the significance of replacing 70% of that wood during its recent major renovation at Mystic Seaport Museum. Sailing Without Modern Tech: Dick describes the incredible feat of sailing the Mayflower II across the Atlantic using no modern navigation, arriving in New York Harbor on July 1st, 1957. A Presidential Connection: Explore the ship's link to John F. Kennedy, who stood on its decks and whose love of the sea helped spark the "Operation Sail" tall ship events that continue today. Upcoming Tall Ship Celebrations: Get the details on the massive tall ship flotilla gathering along the Eastern Seaboard in the coming months, including stops in New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston. Why You Should Listen This isn't just a story about a boat; it’s a deep dive into "lost history" and the "special relationship" between nations. Dick Stone, a masterful storyteller with a background at ESPN, NBC, and HBO, brings to life the underdog spirit that saw a wooden replica cross an ocean to become an American icon. Resources Mentioned Book: Project Mayflower: Building and Sailing a 17th Century Replica by Dick Stone (Distributed by Simon & Schuster). Museums: Plymouth Plantation and Mystic Seaport Museum. Events: Look for the tall ships gathering in Boston Harbor and other East Coast ports next summer! Connect with Us Enjoyed the episode? Hit the Like button on your app! Email: sailingtheeast@gmail.com Watch: Find us on YouTube at the Sailing and Cruising channel. Happy Sailing! Bela and Mike Keywords: Sailing podcast, Mayflower II, tall ships, maritime history, East Coast cruising, Project Mayflower, Dick Stone, Plymouth Plantation, Operation Sail, ocean passage.