Mayflower II departed Mystic, CT back to their home port of Plymouth, MA on Friday May 1, 2026. She had been at the Mystic Seaport Shipyard since December for her regular winter maintenance. See the photos: Mayflower II returns to Mystic for the winter.

It was a grey overcast day — perfect typical New England backdrop for the colorful Mayflower II to make her way back home.

I loved the Seaport skyline in the background from this angle.

The tugboats might not get as much love as Mayflower II does — but they definitely work hard to help transport this historical vessel back home safely.

She made it through the drawbridge unscathed (if you know, you know!).

There were a lot of people who came out to watch her departure. A rower on the water sure had a unique viewpoint!

I loved how the grey skies made the colors of all boats really pop out!

At the time of this post, Mayflower II is already back home in Plymouth, MA and is opened to the public for tours. I need to make the drive up to Plymouth to tour the Mayflower. I’ve captured her many times now but never have stepped on her! That’ll have to change soon! She’ll be back to Mystic again in the future and I’ll look forward to watching her again!