Team Building Aboard Kalmar Nyckel

Challenge your team. Strengthen your leaders. Create unforgettable memories.

Our immersive leadership program aboard Kalmar Nyckel combines adventure, authentic sailing, and hands-on teamwork to build trust, communication, and problem-solving skills in a truly unforgettable setting.

Program Format & Fees

Our program is designed for 20 to 30 participants and includes a private 2- or 2.5-hour sail, along with pre- and post-briefing to maximize the learning experience.

• Wilmington, DE:  $2,700 for a 2-hour program on a private cruise.
• Historic New Castle, DE:  $3,900 for a 2.5-hour program on a private sail.
  
• Four experiential stations are introduced and guided by the captain and crew.
  

A debriefing is held at the culmination of the program to reinforce key leadership and teamwork concepts.

 

Fundamentals Of Team Building

Sail Handling

There's no better way to understand the power of teamwork than by setting the sails of a tall ship. After a safety briefing from our experienced crew, participants will work together to raise, trim, and douse Kalmar Nyckel's sails using traditional sailing techniques that have changed little in centuries.

Every maneuver requires clear communication, precise timing, and coordinated effort. Crew members are stationed throughout the ship, each performing a vital role that contributes to the success of the whole.

As the wind shifts or the ship changes course, the team must respond together—adjusting the sails in unison to keep the ship moving efficiently. Participants quickly discover an enduring truth: it takes an entire team to make a tall ship sail.

 

Steering Coordination

Steering Kalmar Nyckel is a true team effort that depends on clear communication, trust, and coordination. Unlike modern vessels, the helmsman cannot see where the ship is headed and relies entirely on commands from the captain or designated mate on the quarterdeck. Every command is repeated back to ensure it is heard, understood, and carried out correctly.

Because the original Kalmar Nyckel was built nearly 80 years before the invention of the ship's wheel, our ship is steered using a whipstaff—a long steering lever that moves the tiller and, ultimately, the rudder. Participants will experience this centuries-old command-and-response system as the crew demonstrates how every maneuver depends on precise communication.

Successfully steering the ship requires more than turning the rudder. The helm must work in harmony with the sail handlers, who trim and adjust the sails to harness the wind and keep the ship moving efficiently through the water. It's a powerful lesson in leadership, collaboration, and the importance of every individual working together toward a common goal.

 

Developing Leadership Skills

Emergency Management

A successful team doesn't happen by chance; it is built through preparation, clearly defined roles, and strong leadership. At sea, those principles are essential. A Station Bill (also called a muster list) is an official, signed document that assigns every crew member their specific emergency duties and stations. Posted in conspicuous locations (like the bridge, engine room, and crew mess), it dictates exactly who is responsible for launching lifeboats, fighting fires, and assisting passengers.

Participants will explore how Kalmar Nyckel's Station Bill assigns responsibilities, establishes a clear chain of command, and ensures every crew member understands their role before an emergency occurs. The safety and effective operation of the ship depends on the crew operating cohesively as a team.

Working together, teams will examine how effective organizations:

• Define clear roles and responsibilities for each teammate (chiefs, offices, deckhands, etc.)
• Structuring your team: match individual strengths to specific tasks
• Build trust through communication and accountability
• Setting up each teammate to be optimally successful. 
  

Emergency Drills

When an emergency arises at sea, every second counts—and every crew member has a role to play. Participants will put their Station Bill into action as they respond to a realistic, simulated emergency aboard Kalmar Nyckel.

Working together under pressure, teams will assess an unexpected situation, communicate effectively, and make decisions using the leadership and teamwork skills they've developed throughout the program.

Participants will:

• Respond to a realistic emergency scenario.
• Experience the importance of leadership, communication, and cross-training.
• Learn how preparation and teamwork lead to confident decision-making.
• Participate in a guided debrief to reflect on performance and key takeaways.

To learn more about our Team Building and Leadership Programs, contact us or call (302) 429-7447.