Utsch’s Marina in Cape May will be the port-of-call for New Jersey’s Tall Ship, the authentically restored 1928 oyster schooner A.J. Meerwald, from August 3 through Sept. 1, 2012. The Meerwald offers unique sailing experiences for visitors young, old and in-between. Join a pirate crew, trawl for marine life, send the kids off for a day-camp on the high seas, or take an evening cruise after a day on the beach.
SAIL SCHEDULE
Public Sails are generally available at 1:30 and 5:00 p.m. daily except Wednesdays. In addition, a discounted “Family Special” sail is offered on Saturday mornings. All sails offer opportunities to learn about the ship and participate in hauling lines and hoisting sails. Various themed sails offer additional programs. Passengers are welcome to bring food and beverages aboard.
Karol teaching
On Wednesdays, the Meerwald is off-limits to adults. Sailor for a Day offers a unique summer camp experience for children 10 to 16 years old. Campers spend a full day on the water, where they hoist the sails, haul in the trawl line, learn about local marine life, take the helm, learn about navigation, tie some ‘salty’ knots, sing sea chanties, and more. Sailor for a Day departs at 9:00 a.m. and returns at 4:00 p.m. on August 8, 15, 22 and 29.
Special and Themed Sails:
Family Special Sails – Saturdays, August 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Pirate Sails (costumes encouraged!) – August 4 & 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Marine Critters Sails (haul in a trawl line and learn about marine creatures) – August 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 1:30 p.m.
Nautical Knots Sails (learn some important sailor skills) – August 5 and 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker Sails (subject of presentation varies) – August 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Irish Music Sail (four piece Irish band will entertain) – August 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Cheese & Crackers Sail (bring your own beverages) – August 12 at 5:00 p.m.
Music Sail (live performer on board) – August 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Make-A-Splash Sail (Larry Rafes will talk about his just completed kayak trip from Allentown PA to Cape May to promote organ donation) – August 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Navigation Skills Transit Sail – Sunday, Sept. 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Learn navigation and nautical skills while sailing up the Delaware Bay from Cape May to Bivalve, NJ. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy views of lighthouses, wildlife and more! A great opportunity for outdoor photographers. Return transportation not included.
Reservations may be made online at www.bayshorediscovery.org or by calling Bayshore Discovery Project, 856-785-2060. The ship is also available for charters. Anyone interested in a private sail should call for more information.