A.J. Meerwald Celebrating 15 years Sailing out of Cape May

A. J. Meerwald sailed into Cape May Harbor last week for her 15th season of sails in Cape May. The official New Jersey Tall Ship, an authentically restored 1928 oyster schooner, will be berthed at Utsch’s Marina in Cape May.
While her homeport is in Bivalve, the ship visits ports along the Atlantic coast of New Jersey and as far up the Delaware as Trenton during her sailing season of April through October.
During her visit to Cape May from August 5 through Sept. 2, A. J. Meerwald will offer unique sailing experiences for visitors young, old and in-between. Join a pirate crew, sample some salty oysters, 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.
Public Sails are available at 1:30-4 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. most days. Come aboard, sit back and relax and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes, or relive history by taking a turn hauling lines and hoisting sails.
Learn about the maritime history of the area, the creatures that live in the sea and bay, and how your actions affect the environment of the Delaware Bay watershed. Various themed sails offer additional programs.
Passengers are welcome to bring food and beverages aboard. Prices for the sails range from $15 to $22 for a child aged 3-12, from $30 to $40 for seniors, and from $35 to $45 for adults, depending on the time of day and the type of sail.
One day a week the Meerwald is off-limits to adults. This is when ‘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 shanties, and more.
Sailor for a Day departs at 9 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. on August 10, 16, 24 and 31. The cost for a day of fun on the sea is $70 per camper.
The Captain and crew of the Meerwald look forward to welcoming you aboard for another season of high seas fun, relaxation and learning.
Make reservations online at www.bayshorediscovery.org or call 856-785-2060.