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Kalmar Nyckel sets sail again starting in May

Delaware Public Media

The Tall Ship of Delaware will sail again starting this weekend.

 

The Kalmar Nyckel returns after it canceled most of its sails in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But Kalmar Nyckel Foundation executive director Cathy Parsells says Delaware’s tall ship is ready to welcome back visitors to its Copeland Maritime Center location in Wilmington.

 

“We are so excited to be back on the water and to be inviting people to come and join us," said Parsells. "We’re starting on (Saturday) May 1. We’re going to be in Wilmington and also in New Castle this summer...largely in Wilmington.”

The Kalmar Nyckel is in Wilmington throughout May, but Parcells says visiting will look a bit different.

 

“In May, we’re inviting people to come in small groups of two to five. Our capacity is at 50% because of the State guidelines. But we’re going to invite folks to come in small groups . And in May they’re going to rotate to different stations as a group and get the full experience of the ship,” said Parcells.

 

COVD restrictions, such as social distancing and mask wearing, also remain in place.

Parsells notes in June, the Kalmar Nyckel returns to Historic New Castle for day sails.

 

Parsells says the biggest issue last year was getting the ship to Mystic, Connecticut for a Coast Guard required haul-out and hull inspection. Some crew members and volunteers quarantined for two weeks to make that four-week maintenance and inspection happen last summer.

 
A full Lamar Nyckel schedule is available at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation website.

Kelli Steele has over 30 years of experience covering news in Delaware, Baltimore, Winchester, Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona and San Diego, California.