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Aboard the Kalmar Nyckel
Delaware's official tall ship is docked in Lewes for her annual summer visit. BY RON MACARTHUR
August 29, 2014
Captain Lauren Morgans keeps an eye on the sails. Morgans has been captain of the ship for the past eight years. The ship sails from April through November logging about 3,000 miles. BY RON MACARTHUR
Chester, the Kalmar's cat, finds a resting spot among some ropes. BY RON MACARTHUR
Sabrina Sandberg, second mate, talks about the safety features on the ship prior to leaving the ferry terminal dock. BY RON MACARTHUR
Colin McGowan is one of nearly two dozen volunteer crew members during each sail. Three-hundred active and fully trained volunteers and officers make up the crew of the ship. BY RON MACARTHUR
Volunteer mate Nigel Veater watches from the quarterdeck of the ship as crew members hoist sails. BY RON MACARTHUR
The myriad of rigging on the Kalmar Nyckel is reflected in trainee Janet Blondi's sunglasses. BY RON MACARTHUR
Volunteers Ron Siebach, left, and Ed Molin pull in one of the ship's cannons in preparation for docking. BY RON MACARTHUR
Simon Hocker, volunteer trainee, enjoys the scenery of the Delaware Bay during a brief respite from duties aboard the ship. BY RON MACARTHUR
Spotting dolphin is commonplace on the Kalmar's cruises on Delaware Bay. Catching them swimming in the ship's wake is rare. BY RON MACARTHUR
The Kalmar Nyckel – which took more than two years to build – contains many hidden treasures and works of art including the ship's bell. BY RON MACARTHUR
The billowing, white sails of Kalmar Nyckel are a welcome sight each summer on the Delaware Bay in Lewes.
Delaware's official tall ship docks at the Lewes ferry terminal during August and the first week in September offering public and private sails.
Kalmar Nyckel is an exact, full-scale replica of the Swedish ship that founded New Sweden in 1638, the site of present-day Wilmington. After taking more than two years to build, the ship was launched in 1997 about 200 yards from the original landing.
Kalmar Nyckel – which made four round-trip ocean crossings – was built by the Dutch in 1625 and purchased as a warship in 1629 by the Swedes. It's believed the ship was sunk around 1652 by the British.
Get more information at kalmarnyckel.org.
