WHAT: 2025 Lewes Maritime Day

WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Canalfront Park, 219 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE (Get Directions)
(NOTE: This event is now held at Canalfront Park, not at the Lewes Ferry Terminal.)

Experience and celebrate maritime history and its impact on the region at the annual Lewes Maritime Day celebration at the Lightship Overfalls and Canalfront Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Lewes, known as the First Town in the First State, enjoys a heritage that is rich in both its maritime history and its current maritime interests.

Sail aboard AJ Meerwald from the Lewes waterfront and/or on a History Happened Here Cruise. Journey back through the centuries with Cape Water Taxi into Lewes’ maritime past. See TICKETED EVENTS below for more information.

Co-organized by the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and the Overfalls Foundation, supported by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Lewes.

Open to the Public – Maritime Day is Free of Charge

Sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, the Lewes Historical Society, Beach Flooring Designs, Groome Church, and Henlopen Bait & Tackle.

This celebration includes maritime exhibits and demonstrations, boat rides and vessel tours, and other activities. It is free for children and the young at heart.

Schedule of Events:

For Saturday, May 17th during the 2025 Maritime Day Celebration:

8:45 a.m. – TICKETED EVENT – History Happens Here Cruise on Cape Water Taxi

10:00 a.m. – Remembrance Ceremony – Remarks by local dignitaries.  Wreath Laying Ceremony to remember local mariners and members of the Overfalls Lightship who have passed.

10:00 am – TICKETED EVENT – Public Sail aboard the A.J. Meerwald, a 1928 restored dredging oyster schooner.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Exhibitions, Demonstrations, Boat Tours and Boat Rides.

An additional sailing is offered on Sunday May 18th