Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation owns and operates the Kalmar Nyckel ship, which is a replica of a ship that sailed from Sweden to the New World in 1638. It is based on the Christina River and can be boarded for tours and trips from the port at Dravo Plaza in Wilmington, Delaware. Sailing times vary according to the tides at each port, but guests are requested to arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Operated by volunteer staff, the present day ship was commissioned in 1998 and has an overall length of 131 feet. Members of the public can sail aboard the ship between May and October. Up to 49 passengers are permitted for each trip with trips including three hour long sails and an hour and a half cruise. The trips leave not just from Wilmington but also other ports along the Eastern Seaboard.

Dockside receptions can also be held on the ship, where up to 90 guests can be accommodated. Dockside tours enable visitors to view the 10 story high mainmast at first hand and listen to stories about life on the ship back in the 17th century. Special school based events and pirate events are also staged on the ship.