Schooner Meerwald sailing trips in Lewes to start Aug. 2

The schooner A.J. Meerwald, New Jersey's official tall ship, is partnering with the Zwaanendael Museum to present a series of programs and sailing trips in Lewes.

The Meerwald will conduct trips during which visitors can help raise the sails, pilot the vessel and learn about the ship’s historic role in the oyster industry. Morning, afternoon and evening sails are set for Friday, Aug, 2 to Sunday, Aug. 4; Thursday, Aug. 29; Saturday, Aug. 31; and Monday, Sept. 2. Afternoon and evening sails will also be held Friday, Aug. 30.

The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes will present Johann Steinke, captain of the Meerwald, reading from his children’s book, “The Greatest Captain in the World,” at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28.  The book comprises stories written in real sailor vocabulary illustrated by drawings based on contemporary prints and paintings from the age of sail. Steinke has lived and worked aboard a wide variety of ships ranging from large, steel-hulled square riggers to the world's largest Viking ship replica. His program is designed to help visitors discover the joy of history, sailing and the sea.

Historical interpreters from the Zwaanendael Museum will be aboard the Meerwald for a Lewes Maritime History Sail at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30. During the special seaborne trip, interpreters will share maritime stories about the Cape Henlopen region including Cape Henlopen Lighthouse, the early Zwaanendael whaling colony, and the sinking and recovery of the British warship DeBraak.

The A.J. Meerwald is a restored oyster-dredging schooner whose home port is in Bivalve, Commercial Township, N.J. Launched in 1928, the Meerwald was one of hundreds of schooners built along South Jersey's bayshore before the decline of the shipbuilding industry which coincided with the Great Depression.

Today, the Meerwald is used by the Bayshore Center at Bivalve for onboard educational programs in the Delaware Bay near Bivalve, and at other ports in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The vessel was added to the National Register of Historic Places Nov. 7, 1995.

All sails noted above will depart from the Lewes ferry terminal at 43 Cape Henlopen Drive. Zwaanendael Museum patrons can receive a $2 discount by using promo code ZDE2019 when purchasing tickets. Advance purchases are recommended.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 856-785-2060 or go to www.bayshorecenter.org/sailing-schedule.