Mayflower replica takes summer pause from renovations

MYSTIC, Conn. -- A replica of the Mayflower is back at sea, headed home for the busy summer tourist season.

The ship has been undergoing renovations at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut since December as part of a multiyear plan. Officials hope to have the ship repaired by 2020 - the 400th anniversary of the original Mayflower crossing of the Atlantic.

The ship left Mystic on Tuesday and is scheduled to arrive at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth on Wednesday afternoon. It is to return to Connecticut for more repairs the next two winters.

The Mayflower II first launched in 1957. This winter, the ship was repainted and 130 tons of stone and rusting iron ballast was replaced. Workers also replaced bilge and fire pumps and 300 feet of planking.