Winter Crew Training

Experience the lost art of square-rig sailing during our immersive Winter Crew Training class. Enjoy hands-on training and presentations on ship and shore as you learn to sail the Kalmar Nyckel.

Join Our Crew

During this 10-week class, you can learn maritime history, knot tying, safety drills, line handling, setting sails, and practical seamanship, while you make new friends. Each week, our Captain and dedicated crew mentors will present new material and hands-on lessons that utilize our indoor ¾-scale model of the ship’s deck as well as the ship itself.


Upon completion of the class, passing the final exam, and volunteering 20 hours, you will be eligible to sail on board the Kalmar Nyckel. We sail locally and voyage to ports from Virginia to Massachusetts, with a crew of 18-24.


Crew Training Requirements

  • Sailing crew must be at least 18 years old, or aged 14-17 with a parent/guardian.
  • All participants must be physically able to safely perform all basic crew responsibilities on deck, as dictated by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation. This includes climbing vertical ladders, climbing up to our fore deck, hauling lines, and assisting passengers during emergencies. Participants are NOT required to climb the rigging.
  • A background check is required for all crew. This fee is paid directly to the third party company that performs the checks. 
  • Participation in our random drug testing program is required by the USCG (fee included in the registration fee paid to the KNF)
  • Volunteers must be able to commute to Wilmington, DE. 


2026 Class Schedule

  • Class will be held every Saturday from mid-January to early April beginning January17, 2026-April 11, 2026.  Class time is: FULL DAY,  (9am-4:30pm) for 3 sessions: Feb. 7, Feb. 21, and March 14, and HALF DAY on the remaining days (9am-12:30pm). Lunch Available on the full days for $5/Sodas $2, but do pack a lunch for half days if qualify as a climber, as climbing training will occur after lunch starting half way through the class.  All participants will be required to help with clean up after class on a rotating schedule (plan on 15-20 min extra every other week or so). 
  • We will NOT have class on 3 dates: March 7, 2026, March 21, 2026, and April 4, 2026.  Those will be big rig-up days and Lego Shipbuilding Day (on March 1). We encourage you to join us for these days but will understand if you need a Saturday off.
  • The first 2 classes will be held on ZOOM. (Do not come to the shipyard for the first 2 classes).
  • There will be extra practice time available outside of class for those who wish to get more hands-on practice.  We will schedule these on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and weekdays for your convenience.  These sessions are not required, but are recomended.

 

Location

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard, 1124 East 7th St. Wilmington, DE 19801

 

Registration

New registrants will be accepted through January 27, 2026.  Call our office, and ask for Capt. Sharon to discuss.

Registration Fees

The total winter session training fee is $131.75. All deposits are non-refundable.

  • $110 is payable to the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation to reserve your spot in the class. This includes your materials and a mandatory U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) drug test.
  • $23 is payable to Intellicorp, an online background check company. 
  • Manuals will be ready for pick up at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation on the last week in December or first week in January, or you may pay $10 to have it shipped to you.
Register for Winter Crew Training 2026