5. Speedwell quickly proved itself unseaworthy in the summer, 1620
In July, 1620, the members of the Leiden Congregation designated to undertake the perilous journey boarded a canal barge. Families were separated, other families took on those traveling alone. Several gentlemen of means were accompanied by servants. The canal journey to Delfshaven took several hours. There they boarded Speedwell, about which little is known of the ship’s captain. Speedwell departed for Southampton the same day, immediately developed problems with rigging and began shipping water, its hull riddled with leaks. By the time it arrived in Southampton its captain had decided extensive repairs were necessary before it could attempt to cross the Atlantic. The ship lay in port at Southampton, with Mayflower, for several weeks, refitting.
While in port stores meant for sustenance at sea and upon arrival in America were consumed. Conditions were crowded on both ships. Costs of repairs and port fees mounted, absorbed by the Merchant Adventurers of Thomas Weston. The crew of Speedwell were busy, that of Mayflower largely at loose ends. Jones sent part of his crew to assist in the repairs. On August 15, 1620, the two ships finally sailed. After just a few hours at sea, the aging Speedwell again began leaking badly, and the ships entered harbor at Plymouth. The ship required extensive repairs and rerigging before it could attempt the journey again. After debate among themselves and the Strangers, eleven of the Leiden Congregation transferred to Mayflower, which already held 30 of their fellows.