Few experiences combine history, adventure, and scenic beauty quite like sailing aboard a tall ship. With only about 200 to 250 tall ships still sailing around the world, Delaware is fortunate to be home to one of them—the Kalmar Nyckel, a full-scale replica of the 17th-century vessel that brought Swedish settlers to the Delaware Valley in 1638.
The ship’s name comes from the Swedish town of Kalmar, while nyckel means “key” in Swedish. The original vessel was built around 1625, and the replica was launched in Wilmington in 1997. Today, it remains docked there, serving as both a sailing ship and a floating classroom.
The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation operates the ship and supports its mission “to preserve and promote the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware and the Delaware Valley for the education and enrichment of all.”
The ship recently participated in Delaware’s America 250 celebration, reminding visitors of the state’s rich colonial history. Not long afterward, a group of 17 neighbors from Milton’s Paynter’s Mill community climbed aboard for a 90-minute sail along the Christina River.
As the ship glided through the water, passengers enjoyed views of wildlife, watched collegiate rowing teams practice, and passed restaurants and attractions along Wilmington’s lively Riverwalk. For those looking for a longer adventure, the Kalmar Nyckel also offers 2½-hour sailing excursions on the Delaware River departing from Wilmington.
The adventure begins before the ship even leaves the dock. Moored beside the vessel is the Copeland Maritime Center, a fascinating year-round museum and educational center that tells the story of the Kalmar Nyckel, Swedish settlement in the Delaware Valley, and the ship’s modern-day reconstruction. Since opening in 2015, the center has welcomed school groups, families, visitors from around the world, crew trainees, and organizations hosting private events.
Once aboard, it’s easy to appreciate the remarkable craftsmanship that makes the ship so special. Intricate carvings, whimsical gargoyles, towering masts, and a maze of ropes create an authentic glimpse into 17th-century sailing. The impressive rigging is handled by a dedicated crew made up largely of volunteers—and anyone interested can volunteer and learn the skills needed to sail the ship.
Crew training attracts participants primarily from Delaware, although some volunteers travel from as far away as Germany. Women also play a prominent role in the ship’s operation. In fact, both the captain and co-captain were women on the day the Paynter’s Mill group sailed.
For Paynter’s Mill resident Gail Carpenter, the trip offered exactly the kind of adventure she had hoped for. “I’ve always been attracted to the water and appreciate opportunities to be on it, particularly when sails are involved,” she said. “I intentionally didn’t research it too much because I wanted to be surprised and learn about it firsthand during an actual sailing experience.” She especially appreciated the Foundation’s commitment to education. “I love that they offer educational programs of all kinds,” Carpenter added.
Neighbor Jean-Marie Day was equally enthusiastic about the outing.”We’d owned a boat, but I’d never been on a sailboat this large,” she said. “Since we’ve only been in Delaware a few years, we’re trying to experience all the fun and historical things about our new state.” Among the many things she learned was that Sweden’s Queen Christina became sovereign at just 12 years old. She also discovered that the Kalmar Nyckel once sailed into Lewes, although changing water depths have since made the harbor too shallow for the vessel. “The tour of the captain’s quarters was interesting,” Day said. “The displays in the museum were an extra bonus. We plan on going again and bringing the grandkids.”
One of the biggest surprises for many passengers was discovering that the ship has no steering wheel. Instead, the helmsman controls the vessel with a large wooden tiller, responding to commands from the captain or co-captain just as sailors did nearly 400 years ago.
Beyond public sails, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation reaches thousands of students each year through onboard programs, field trips, and educational outreach that brings Delaware’s maritime history into classrooms across the region.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a sailing fan, or simply looking for a unique day trip, the Kalmar Nyckel offers far more than a cruise on the river. It is a chance to experience history under sail, connect with Delaware’s rich maritime heritage, and create memories that will last long after the voyage ends.
To learn more or book a sail, visit https://www.kalmarnyckel.org/
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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