NORTH CAPE MAY – Did you know that Kalmar Nyckel was one of America’s pioneering colonial ships? The original ship sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638, transporting the first settlers to the Delaware Valley. Her historical significance rivals that of the Mayflower, however not many people know of her remarkable journeys. Learn all about this pioneer ship when you visit the Cape May – Lewes dock in Lewes, Delaware this August! Make your own voyage from Cape May on the CMLF and visit the Kalmar Nyckel and take a day sail on this historic ship. It is an experience that will take you back in time to feel what it was like to sail in the 1600s.
“We are very excited to have Kalmar Nyckel docked in Lewes this summer”, says Heath Gehrke, Director of Cape May- Lewes Ferry Operations. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to learn about something so rich with Delaware history. Kalmar Nyckel is only here for a limited time so make sure to explore the ship on your next trip to the Ferry.”
Kalmar Nyckel will be docked in Lewes from Aug. 4 through Sept. 2 this summer. Sails and tours are scheduled throughout the ship’s stay. The cost for a sail is $60 for adults and $40 for ages 17 and younger. Come enjoy pirate sails, day sails, or free deck tours onboard Kalmar Nyckel for the experience of a lifetime.
With the added attraction of Kalmar Nyckel, the Lewes terminal offers something for everyone in the family. The Lewes “On the Rocks,” a fantastic outdoor waterfront location, features great burgers, soft shell crabs, and other local favorites as well as numerous varieties of local craft-brewed beers on draught. And, the Lewes terminal also has free mini-golf and a great outdoor playground for the little ones to enjoy.
Built by a group of citizens committed in telling the great ship’s story, the present-day Kalmar Nyckel is a stunning recreation of the original vessel. The ship is owned and operated today by the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers people an assortment of land and sea based learning and recreational experiences.
Please call the Ferry’s Guest Services Center at 800-643-3779 to reserve your tour or visit its website at www.cmlf.com for information on this and other events at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. For more information about Kalmar Nyckel and its schedule, please visit www.kalmarnyckel.org or call (302) 429-7447.