But, having prepared myself mentally, and having done a conscientious amount of research on Welsh maritime history over the last few weeks, I must confess to a twinge of disappointment that it's unlikely that I'm actually going to get the chance to experience a journey in a historic ship.

BBC: No sailing in sight for slate

Of huge scientific potential is also the research of the historic maritime past of the States of the Gulf.

UNESCO: Underwater Cultural Heritage

"Shipwrecks help to fill in some of the unwritten pages of history, " said Frank Cantelas, a maritime archaeologist with NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS