Private Sails & Events

Tall Ship sails and cruises offer a fun and stunning venue for private social and business events. Plan a private sail, dockside party, or team building outing. You can customize an event that includes the ship and our beautiful riverfront Copeland Maritime Center.

Event Capacity

Private Sails: 49 passengers (including catering staff/bartender/entertainment)

Private Dockside Parties: 90 passengers

Copeland Maritime Center: receptions up to 175 guests and table seating for 115

Catering

You may choose your own caterer or bring prepared food trays and snacks on board for your guests. The ship has a staging area that we recommend for a small bar and serving drinks. We have a second location that accommodates cold serving trays. Please request our list of suggested local vendors.

Please note that entertainers and caterers will be included in a total passenger count of 49 (U.S. Coast Guard requirement that can’t be adjusted). Flowers and a special company or celebratory banner will gladly be accommodated. We request that hosts or their caterers manage set up, ice, coolers, serving, and clean up.

Kalmar Nyckel merchandise can be made available with advance notice for you to purchase for your guests (such as ball caps, t-shirts, fleeces, etc.). We can also set up a small gift shop for your guests to purchase souvenirs of their sail (including books, postcards, and key chains).

Private Sail and Dockside Rates

The ship is available to sail and charter from mid-April through October but also voyages to out-of-state ports in a typical year. We can accommodate your dates based on the ship’s schedule. We offer private sails in other ports of call when possible, too.

Wilmington events at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s private dock:

Christina River Cruises last 1.5 hours for $2,400 (up to 49 guests), additional time at $800 per hour.
Private Dockside Parties on the ship last 2 hours for $2,100 (up to 90 guests), additional time at $700 per hour.
Both events require the ship’s officers and crew on board at all times (USCG requirement). Additional time is approved by the Captain.

Historic New Castle at the lovely public dock (limited availability):

Delaware River Sails last 2.5 hours for $3,700 (49 guests maximum).
Private Dockside Parties last 2 hours for $2,900 (90 guests maximum).
Additional is available at $1,300 per hour on sails and $1,000 per hour on the dock.

Package prices are also available. Please inquire for more details.