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: Sailors’ Valentines on Sat., Feb. 14
Set sail on a crafty adventure when sailors sent home tiny seashell mosaic love notes. Make a seashell Valentine from 1:00-4:00pm. Craft included with Winter admission (discounted).
Guest Bartender Night at Fundraiser ends Feb. 10
Many thanks for supporting our Tall Ship of Delaware & our 18 awesome bartenders on Feb. 3! We have $597 left to meet our fundrasiing goal. Can you please help us with a small gift by next Tuesday, Feb. 10?
LEGO Shipbuilding Day Returns Saturday, March 7
All ages & skills welcome, 10am-3pm! Build LEGO models of historic/naval ships. Design your own on-site and enter prize drawings (no judging). Bring a LEGO ship from home for our Peoples’ Choice award!
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.