The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (KNF) owns and operates the stunning tall ship Kalmar Nyckel. Launched in 1997, the Kalmar is an authentic replica of the ship that brought the Swedes to the new world in 1638. To sail on her now is to relive the excitement of adventure and challenge of the unknown, bringing the history of Sweden and Delaware alive for all who visit. Kalmar is docked at the Copeland Maritime Museum, home base for our staff of Captains, Sailors, Volunteers, Administrative Team, Board Members, Historians, Master Craftsmen and Educational Experts. The building space is used daily in many capacities including as an extensive sail loft and wood-working shop, K-12 living classrooms, a gallery for our valued collection of ship models and various display areas including one for our stunning commissioned painting of Kalmar's last battle. Students learn about and visitors explore the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware and its enduring ties to Sweden and Finland. KNF is a primarily volunteer-based organization that built, owns, and operates Kalmar Nyckel from our homeport of Wilmington, Delaware. The ship serves as a floating classroom and an inspirational platform for educational programs that reach thousands of people each year. Launched in 1997, Kalmar Nyckel is the official Tall Ship of Delaware and a recognizable icon for its home state. Our ship serves as a catalyst for educational, social, and economic development in Delaware and beyond. As a non-profit educational organization, KNF offers people of all ages and backgrounds a variety of sea- and land-based recreational and educational experiences. While we voyage throughout the mid-Atlantic from Virginia to New England each season, today’s ship resides at our stunning Copeland Maritime Center campus on Wilmington’s historic riverfront – just 200 yards from Fort Christina National Historic Landmark and the original ship’s landing site at “The Rocks” in 1638.