Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel arrives in Lewes for public sails, tours

Delaware's Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel is in Lewes for an extended stay through Monday, Sept. 2, offering two-and-a-half hour pirate and day sails as well as deck tours.

Capt. Lauren Morgens and crew are very enthusiastic about their visit.  Lauren shared, “Lewes is one of our favorite day-sailing ports.  Delaware Bay has wonderful sea breezes and plenty of room to set sail.”

Passengers are invited to experience a sailing adventure on the majestic ship with eight sails and eight miles of rigging.  Morgans and crew stand ready to make the trip exciting for the whole family with either a day sail or on a special pirate sail.   Although the original Kalmar Nyckel was never a pirate vessel, serving instead as a trader, naval scout and colonial ship, today’s crew love playing the pirate part. These excursions are especially popular with children. The crew is also offering deck tours on certain dates throughout the stay.
In May, the ship hosted their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden and Speaker of the Parliament of Finland Eero Heinäluoma, for an historic sail on the Christina River in Wilmington.  This event was one of the highlights of the jubilee celebration marking the 375th anniversary of the arrival of the original Kalmar Nyckel and the establishment of the colony of New Sweden in 1638.

Morgans added, “With preparations for the Royal Sail, the ship has never looked better; it is a great time to experience a sail on Kalmar Nyckel.”

For public sail reservations, contact the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation office at 302-429-7447 or go to www.kalmarnyckel.org for more information.  Sail prices are $60 for adults and $40 for children and youth ages 17 and younger. Mention a Cape May-Lewes Ferry ticket number and receive a 10 percent discount on a sail.

Charters and dockside receptions are also available and perfect for corporate and educational events, team building activities, weddings and other social occasions. For more information about availability and pricing, call 302-429-7447.