Magical Events & Weddings

Sunday, April 27 1:00-3:00pm

Explore The Tall Ship of Delaware and the riverfront Copeland Maritime Center for your one-of-a-kind event to meet local vendors to help you plan your celebration. We’ve hosted private sails, networking events, weddings, and more. Come for a special ship and shore tour, chat with local display partners/vendors, and enjoy catered refreshments and a cash bar. Free admission and parking. Select vendors are invited to host tables. Registration opens today!

Special thanks to our catering partner, Savora Catering & Events by Lori Seward.

Visitor Registration

Advance registration is requested so that we will be prepared. Please tell us how many are in your party. Admission and parking are free.

Discover our Magical Riverfront Venues

Step aboard Kalmar Nyckel, The Tall Ship of Delaware, and take your guests on a magical 90-minute smooth Christina River cruise on our full-scale replica of the 17th-century Swedish ship that landed in present-day Wilmington in 1638. Drinks and finger food will enhance your private sail. Then, invite your guests for drinks or a catered meal in the gleaming riverfront Copeland Maritime Center. Begin or end your event surrounded by maritime history, model ships and refreshments on a 3/4-scale indoor model of the Kalmar Nyckel’s main deck. You may also choose to have a more intimate gathering in our Watercraft of the World Gallery or two other rooms in our museum.

Come see our ship and Maritime Center for yourself on Sunday, April 27 from 1:00-3:00pm!

Ship & Maritime Center Capacity

The ship is available for private and public sails from mid-April through October but it also voyages to ports in other states during the sailing season. We can accommodate your dates based on the ship’s sailing and school field trip schedule. We offer private sails in other ports of call when possible, too.

Private Sails: 49 passengers (including catering staff/bartender/entertainment)

Private Dockside Parties: 90 passengers

Copeland Maritime Center: receptions up to 175 guests and table seating for 115

Catering Aboard

The ship has a staging area that we recommend for a small bar and serving drinks. We have a second location that accommodates cold serving trays. You may bring prepared food trays and snacks on board. Alternatively, you may choose your own caterer. Please request our list of suggested local vendors to assist in your choice.

Please note that entertainers and caterers will be included in a total passenger count of 49 (U.S. Coast Guard requirement that can’t be adjusted). Flowers and a special company or celebratory banner will gladly be accommodated. We request that hosts or their caterers manage set up, ice, coolers, serving, and clean up.

Catering on Shore

You may choose your own caterer and arrange for deliveries and set up time. Full meals and bar set ups are permitted with many choices for your floor plan. All set up and clean up will be handled by your party and vendors. We have a list of suggested local vendors.

Custom Merchandise

Kalmar Nyckel merchandise can be made available with advance notice for you to purchase for your guests (such as ball caps, t-shirts, and fleeces). We can also set up a small gift shop for your guests to purchase souvenirs of their sail (including books, postcards, magnets, and pewter key chains).

Packages and Rates

Please choose from the links (or gold icons) below for details related to your event plans.

Plan Your Event

Can’t attend the event or have more questions? Please contact Jan Ross by email or call Chris Bohner 302.429.7447 for more details and to schedule a tour.