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Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard celebrates grand opening of new maritime center

The grand opening of the new Copeland Maritime Center and Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard in Wilmington is Sunday – showcasing the new educational and tourism resources the home port for Delaware’s Tall Ship of Delaware now has to offer.

The Maritime Center itself is a four story building housing all ship maintenance facilities, administrative offices and space for visiting schools to gather.
Kalmar Nyckel Foundation executive director Cathy Parsells says the facility more than adequately serves the needs of their mission to uphold the First State’s maritime legacy and share it with future generations.

“We’re still in the beginning stages of putting all that together but all the elements are there," Parsells said. "So we’re really excited about having some place to show international travelers who come back to learn more about their heritage – as well as people in the state of Delaware.

Highlights include the “Watercraft of the World” collection – an interactive exhibit of 72 detailed and intricate model ships and boats from across the globe.  There’s also a ¾-scale replica of the main deck of the Kalmar Nyckel – used for demonstration and programming during inclement weather or when the tall ship is out to sea.

Sunday’s grand opening runs from 1 to 4 pm with an official ceremony at 2.  It is free and open to the public.