Enjoy public sails, theme sails, day camps

Utsch’s Marina in Cape May will be the port-of-call for New Jersey’s Tall Ship, the authentically restored 1928 oyster schooner AJ Meerwald, from Aug. 1 through 31.
The Meerwald offers unique sailing experiences for visitors–young, old and in-between. Whether you want to take a tour of the boat at dockside, 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, New Jersey’s Tall Ship can accommodate you.
There will be an Open House on Sunday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. to noon. Tour the Meerwald and meet the crew, free.
Then, listen to a lecture on AJ Meerwald’s history and restoration by Bayshore Discovery Project Director Meghan Wren on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m., Cape May County Library, 30 Mechanic Street, Court House, and it’s free also.
Take a two-and-a-half public sail. Afternoon and evening sails are available daily except Wednesdays. Call 856-785-2060 for prices and reservations, or visit bayshorediscovery.org.
Special and themed sails include:
Discounted Family Special Sails: Saturdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10 a.m.
Pirate Sails (costumes encouraged!): Aug. 3 and 24, 1:30 p.m.
Oyster Sail (with shucking demo and raw bar): Aug. 10, 1:30 p.m.
Marine Critters Sail (haul in a trawl line and learn about marine creatures): Aug. 17, 1:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker Sails: Aug. 14, 21 and 28, 1:30 p.m.
Sailor for a Day Camps: Full Day of Activities onboard, Wednesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
It’s a unique summer camp experience for children 10 to 16-years-old.
Campers hoist the sails, haul in the trawl line, learn about local marine life, navigate the ship, take the helm, tie some ‘salty’ knots, sing sea chanties, and more.
Family Sailor for a Day Camp: Full Day of Activities for grownups too, Monday Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open to all ages. Children under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Coastal Navigation Transit: Learn navigational skills while sailing from Cape May to Bivalve, Sunday, Aug. 31, 5 p.m.
Reservations are highly recommended for all sails.
The Bayshore Discovery Project’s mission is to motivate people to take care of the history, the culture, and the environment of New Jersey’s Bayshore region through education, preservation, and example.
The Bayshore Discovery Project received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commision, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.