The Kalmar Nyckel has launched its 2018 sailing season.
The Kalmar’s crew, under Captain Lauren Morgens’ direction, took a group of fourth-grade students from Wilmington’s Forwood Elementary, for a sail on the Christina River this week.
“So they came on the ship in - actually two groups. So we did two sails. Half of the students who come for their field trip stay on land while the other half are on the ship. Then they switch after they eat lunch. So we had two sails. It was a beautiful spring day. So it was fantastic to be out on the water,” said Morgens.
Morgans has been captain of the Kalmar Nyckel since October 2006 and has been sailing tall ships since 1998.
And she says education is just one part of the Kalmar Nyckel’s mission.
The public can also get on board starting Saturday, May 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. from the Kalmar Nyckel shipyard campus located at 1124 East 7th Street at the Copeland Maritime Center.
"We do hour-and-a-half sails. And we kind of cruise up and down the Wilmington waterfront through downtown, set some sails. And in the evening we kind of enjoy the lovely evening weather this time of year,” Captain Morgens said.
Those trips invite people to haul lines, set sails and enjoy maritime tales of the Kalmar Nyckel, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of the water.
And also this Saturday, Captain Morgens says the focus is back on kids with a special Pirate Sail from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-2:30 pm.
Advance ticket purchases are recommended and can be made online, or by calling (302) 429-7447. When space is available tickets may also be purchased at the dock on the day of sail. Wilmington river cruises are $35 for adults and $20 for children under 17.
