Wilmington – Governor Markell will designate the Kalmar Nyckel as the official Tall Ship of Delaware, this afternoon. He will sign Senate Bill 205, which was passed by the General Assembly earlier in the year.
History tells us that the original Kalmar Nyckel ship sailed from Sweden and landed at the Rocks, now Fort Christina Historic Park, in 1638 carrying Peter Minuit and his original crew, the first permanent European settlers in the Delaware Valley, to found the trading post of New Sweden, now Wilmington, Delaware. The Kalmar Nyckel made four documented round-trip crossings of the Atlantic Ocean, more than any other ship of the era.
The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation undertook to build a faithful recreation of the original ship at the Foundation’s shipyard on the Seventh Street Peninsula adjacent to the Rocks, with the ship being launched in 1997. The mission of the Foundation to preserve and promote the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware for the education and enrichment of all.
Through its education programs, the foundation reaches all people of all ages perpetuating the history of the Kalmar Nyckel, the seamanship skills necessary to sail the vessel, and the enterprise that characterized the first voyagers. In 2013 King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were welcomed aboard to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the original landing.
The Kalmar Nyckel also serves as Delaware’s seagoing Ambassador both at home and at many ports of call, raising awareness of the First State for thousands who see her and come on board. The ship is featured in numerous publications and promotions further strengthening awareness of Delaware for thousands of potential visitors.