Mystic Seaport takes precautions

Mystic - At Mystic Seaport, staff members have been battening down the hatches - literally - in preparation for whatever Hurricane Irene brings.

The seaport, which remained open in a limited capacity on Friday, will be closed to the public today and Sunday. It will reopen "as soon as possible" after the storm passes, said Mystic Seaport President Steven White.

"Once we have determined the grounds are safe for public access and we have our collection back in place, we will open our doors," White said.

The docks are also closed to visitors but will accept vessels in need of safe harbor, said Dan McFadden, director of communications.

As part of the seaport's existing emergency plan, most small boats had been pulled from the water and secured. Workers were in the process Friday of "breasting off" larger historic vessels like the Joseph Conrad and the L.A. Dunton - using anchors and lines to secure them in open water, where they can ride out the winds and the swells away from the seawall, bulkheads and other watercraft.

Staff members were also busy securing the museum's special collections and moving some exhibits, paintings, delicate instruments and documents to higher ground.

One of the museum's signature possessions, the 1841 whaler Charles W. Morgan, is already on shore undergoing a multiyear restoration in the Seaport shipyard. The vessel is fastened down in a special crib-like structure designed to withstand high winds.

"In many ways the Morgan is in the best place we could have her," said Dana Hewson, vice president for watercraft curation. "Hurricane planning was a factor when we designed the setup. She is well above the high-tide mark and her cradle should minimize movement."

A special team of personnel will remain on-site through the storm to provide security and address emergencies.

"Our primary responsibility at this time is to protect our collection," White said. "So much of what we have here is irreplaceable."

f.trafford@theday.com