Ryan Leighton wants to be a stowaway.

That's not to say it’s been his life's dream to sneak aboard a ship for a free trip to some exotic port while hiding below deck.

Leighton has a particular vessel in mind.

A Boothbay Register headline caught his attention two months ago: “Mystic Seaport seeks stowaway for adventure aboard the Charles W. Morgan.” Leighton, an admitted adventure junkie, was naturally drawn in. “As soon as I saw that article, I was fascinated,” he said. “My reaction was immediate.”

Mystic Seaport in Connecticut was looking for applicants interested in telling stories of adventure and history aboard America’s last wooden whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan.

Through three months of creative videos and blogging, the stowaway will convey experiences during the ship’s 38th voyage, while visiting some of New England's most historic sailing ports, including the Morgan's homeport of New Bedford, Mass.

Stowaway wannabes were asked to submit a short video. Leighton, known in the Boothbay region as videographer and reporter, didn't waste any time.

On March 19, Leighton received news that he had been selected as one of the top 10 contestants out of nearly 100 applicants. On April 4, he’ll travel to Mystic for an interview.

To help Leighton, visit Mystic Seaport's Facebook page, then like and share his video.

The 113-foot Morgan is America's oldest surviving commercial ship still floating — only the USS Constitution is older. Built for whaling, it was launched in 1841. Following a close encounter with cannibals, almost catching fire, and surviving the hurricane of 1938, the Charles W. Morgan was in pretty rough shape when Mystic Seaport acquired her in 1941.

The ship was relaunched on July 21, 2013 at the Mystic Seaport after a $7.5 million restoration. Sally Bullard of East Boothbay, the great-great-great granddaughter of Charles W. Morgan, was asked to christen the hallowed ship.

Bullard said she supports Leighton in his quest. “I think he would be an excellent stowaway. I loved his video entry, and he could tell the story so well. Ryan has a great attitude and sense of excitement and adventure.”

Bullard said she believes that recording the story of the voyage this summer is of utmost importance. When she spoke with Leighton last week, she told him that if he is the stowaway, he should concentrate on the history of the ship. “It will be the final voyage. I think what is most important is the history.”

Leighton agreed. “The Morgan has had an amazing history. The fact that she has made 37 voyages and will embark on her last trip this summer .... I'd love to be a part of that voyage.”

Asked if he had any apprehensions about the potential adventure, Leighton didn't hesitate. “I'm always willing to take the plunge into just about anything,” he said.

If there is a drawback, Bullard said it's Leighton's stature. At 6’ 3”, the six-foot bunks may put a dent in his nighttime quest for badly needed sleep.

But Bullard thinks Leighton has big things in store.

“Let the world know that Ryan Leighton is the best candidate. The world is waiting for him."

Leighton, who grew up in Boothbay, graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Maine.  When he returned home from college he wanted to learn how to edit video.

“I went to see Jonne Trees at Channel 7 (in Boothbay Harbor) and he taught me everything I know,” Leighton said. “I’ve always been a storyteller, so when I became a reporter, I wanted to seek a way to integrate videos with my profession.”

Leighton hasn't had a lot of experience sailing on big vessels. But Brian Papineau, who grew up with him and has sailed his whole life, doesn't think that matters.

Papineau, who once sailed on a 74-foot boat from Maine to the Falkland Islands with a crew of five, believes Leighton would be an ideal crew mate.

“Ryan has that adventure experience that is just as important as knowing which sail to use,” Papineau said. “I've always told him that if I'm ever in a position to hire a crew, he'll be at the top of my list.”

As any seafarer who has lived aboard a big sailing vessel will tell you, it's not all smooth sailing and sunny bluebird skies. There's a lot of work involved in keeping a boat like the Morgan shipshape. There will be sails to man, decks to swab, heads to clean, seasick or homesick crew mates to cheer on, and possibly a storm or two to weather.

Leighton said he is prepared for any hardships he may encounter.

“I'm a pretty salty dog when it comes to living at sea,” Leighton said. “I know there’s a chance things could get scary out there, but nothing in life is worth pursuing without a little scariness.”

In the article that brought the stowaway story to the Boothbay Register website, Susan Funk, executive vice president of the Mystic Seaport said, “This is a unique opportunity, a moment in time that won’t come around again. This person will go into record as the stowaway on board this voyage. This is going to be the Morgan’s most documented voyage ever.”

In the words of his friend Brian Papineau: “Let’s get this kid stowed away.”