Kalmar Nyckel Foundation — Local services in Wilmington

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, Wilmington Delaware on the Christina River is the #1 Tall Ship Sail Training Facility in North America, they provide Crew training, education sails and programing, public sails and private charters. The Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship is a recreation of the original Swedish Royal Navy vessel turned Armed Merchant ship , Originally built by the Dutch in 1627, purchased by Sweden in 1629, named Kalmar Nyckel which translates as the Key of Kalmar, which this ship sat in waters off Kalmar Sweden , and in order to enter the city one must sail past Kalmar Nyckel, quite literally becoming " the Key of Kalmar" she was later Commissioned by the Ships Company to sail to the New World and establish a colony and for the Fur trade Expedition, so the Company hired Peter Minuit to lead the expedition. And so after a long and arduous journey across the Atlantic, Peter Minuit and the Ship arrived 1638 on the Christina River, at a place called " the Rocks " current Fort Christina Park, and established a new colony of New Sweden, they accomplished this by trading with the Linae Lenape natives giving gifts of Red Duffel Cloth, glass beads, Iron, Copper and other items foreign to these indigenous peoples, in return the Sachem allowed them to settle interdispersed and awarded them with Beaver pelts and Skins.....

This is just the tip of Historic Preservation mentioned above. The Foundations Museum and Programming is way more detailed and in depth , hands and eyes on experience than I could verbalize here, if I was to do so , I could write for hours, maybe even a whole day.

Take my word and come...

We visited here while we were vacationing in Wilmington, Delaware recently. We took a sail on the Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship. It was 1.5 hours and very interesting. The ship's crew is very knowledgeable and friendly. A lot of information is given. My son (20) particularly liked it. He got to help hoist the sale and just loved that! They do have a bathroom and offer small snacks/drinks on the honor system. The sail takes you up and down the river, where they raise several bridges to pass under. Scenic views of the Riverfront/Riverwalk. It's not "exciting," per se. It's an experience that is specific to the area, so that's really why we went. It's about $50 per adult, so pricey. But my family really enjoyed it, which made it worth the cost. We also dipped in to see the Copeland Maritime Center, that is located on the site. It's included with the price of the sale. Only one floor, with limited exhibits. But does give a nice overview of the importance of sailing/shipbuilding to the Wilmington area. Good information about the underground railroad and Wilmington's role in that, as well as info on the Swede's arrival to this area in 1638. Very clean, nice bathrooms, small gift shop area. Very friendly and informative...

I volunteered to help them with the Pirate Fest event. I had nothing but positive encouragement from them. They were very kind and looked after all their volunteers. The foundation is great, doing their best to preserve the origins of Wilmington. The ship itself is absolutely gorgeous, and the museum area is chock full of information about the early sailing ship the Kalmar Nyckel and other ships like it that form the earliest settlement of Europeans in America. Tucked away on a little known tidal peninsula right here in Wilmington, the Kalmar Nyckel is a faithful reproduction of an early 1600s sailing vessel. They offer tours, cruises, and full on classes to learn how to sail a square rigged tall ship. The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is a non profit, operating on a minimum budget. If you have some time to donate, and you love all things ships, boats, and/or sailing KNF is the place for you!

P/S I joined KNF as volunteer just 2 days ago. I had a blast, the people there are great. So, my point is that this review is not a shill to drum up new members. I sincerely think this is an excellent organization, and they could use your help too. They are very low pressure, and they truly appreciate any help...