Where Adventure Awaits
Come aboard and discover the remarkable story behind The Tall Ship of Delaware, Kalmar Nyckel, and experience Delaware’s rich maritime history at the Copeland Maritime Center.
Sail & Visit
Tall Ship of Delaware Sails
Take a Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship river cruise or day sail from May 2 - November 1, 2026. Celebrating th 250th anniversary of the United States, we will participate in Sail 250 festivals throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Details to be announced soon.
Copeland Maritime Center
Visit our Copeland Maritime Center year-round for unique museum exhibits. Get tickets for Navigating Freedom - Stories of the Underground Railroad: William Still on February 1. Book a school field trip or host a private event in our riverfront venue.
2nd Saturday: Poems in a Bottle on Saturday, April 11
Take a hands-on poetry adventure and write a mad-lib-style sea chantey that's wacky & fun. Then decorate a bottle & place your chantey inside. Celebrate National Poetry Month at our Maritime Center.
Winter Deck Tours on Saturdays til April 25
Tour the Tall Ship of Delaware on Saturdays, 10:00am-4:00pm during winter maintenance season under our “greenhouse cover." AND, take a self-guided tour of our Maritime Center
Opening Day: Free Admission Saturday, May 2
Celebrate the opening of the Tall Ship of Delaware's sailing season in Wilmington, DE. The Copeland Maritime Center will open with free admisison for self-guided tours. Free ship tours from 12:00-4:00pm
Educational Programs
Walk The Decks. Learn The Ropes.
Five Ways To Freedom
Launch an Underground Railroad History of Delaware unit with this free in-classroom program that defines the work of five Underground Railroad leaders with five routes through Delaware and a maritime aspect to five modes of travel.
Field Trips & Virtual Programs
Explore the
Kalmar Nyckel and hands-on history on our Copeland Maritime Center campus. Or bring the adventures of our Tall Ship to your classroom with our in-person and virtual field trips. Free to Delaware public & charter school students.
Unique Experiences
A Celebration On The Sea
Tall Ship Time Machine
Voyage back in time with our 3D-animated short film and exhibit with an exciting comparison of the original
Kalmar Nyckel and our modern-day replica.
Fort Christina Park
Visit the historic site adjacent to our maritime center where Kalmar Nyckel landed in 1638. Open on Saturdays in October. Free tours & Jr. Ranger badges!
Private Parties: Ship & Shore
Plan a one-of-a-kind business or social event on a private sail, dockside party or Copeland Maritime Center rental. Land ho! Request a tour and dates today!
Volunteer & Support
Preserve A Legacy
Donate
Every donation keeps the
Kalmar Nyckel sailing, provides educational opportunities for children, and preserves maritime history in the heart of Wilmington and the across the Eastern Seaboard.
Education Volunteers
Share the joy of hands-on learning while demonstrating the story of
Kalmar Nyckel and life in early America with school children and campers throughout the region. Volunteers are trained and needed all year long.
Winter Crew Training 2026
Discover the joy of sailing a 17th century ship! No experience is needed. Winter Crew Training class runs from January 17 - April 11 on most Saturday mornings
Learn new skills & meet new friends.