Cape May, NJ - NJ’s Official Tall Ship welcomes Governor Christine Todd Whitman to Cape May in a celebration of NJ’s maritime history and environmental education. Nearly 30 years ago, the governor designated the newly restored Delaware Bay historic oyster schooner A.J. Meerwald as NJ’s official Tall Ship.
On Friday, August 14th the governor returned to sail and celebrate with those that helped lead the original designation efforts in 1998 along with current partners of the organization and leaders in South Jersey. Departing from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal dock, the two hour sail enjoyed picturesque views of the Delaware Bay, the shores of Cape May Point and historic Cape May Lighthouse. The evening also included a focus on healthy waterways and even a visit by a pod of dolphins.
For almost a century, NJ’s Official Tall Ship, oyster schooner A.J. Meerwald has carried the working-waterfront story of New Jersey serving as the state’s official tall ship and a living classroom for thousands of students, families, and educators each year.
"NJ’s official Tall Ship continues to connect passengers and students throughout NJ and surrounding states to our waterways and NJ’s dynamic ecosystems. From Cape May to Trenton and even up the Hudson River our waterways are connected, providing food, drinking water and critical economic impact to our residents. The Bayshore Center is proud to continue to work and represent our great state. ” - Jessica Yorke , Executive Director
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve is excited to announce a new restoration project to keep the 1928 historic Oyster Schooner, A.J. Meerwald sailing for years to come. In 2028 she will celebrate her 100th year. This fall, the vessel will undergo the restoration of her 98 year old wooden keel. The restoration project will be led by Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport Museum. Donations can be made at https://www.bayshorecenter.org/donate/.
The A.J. Meerwald schooner is listed on the New Jersey and National Historic Registries. The Meerwald, originally constructed in 1928 is a significant representation of a Jersey oyster schooner. The distinct style of the vessel was developed to meet the needs of the oyster industry in the Delaware Bay during the 1920s. The ship is a product of the Delaware Bay shipbuilding industry. There are approximately four of these types of vessels remaining and only one is under sail. The ship was saved and fully restored in 1995 by a community of passionate community members and the expertise of local shipwrights. In 1998, the A.J. Meerwald was designated the official tall ship of New Jersey by Governor Christine Todd Whitman.
Public sails will continue to depart from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, through September 27th thanks to the support of the DRBA. The fall 2026 port schedule includes visits to Port Norris, NJ Sept 30th - Oct 4th; Atlantic City Oct 8th -11th; Atlantic Highlands Oct 15th - 18th, and Hoboken Oct 21st & 22nd.
About A.J. Meerwald:
The schooner A.J. Meerwald is a restored oyster dredging schooner from Bivalve, New Jersey. Launched in 1928, A.J. Meerwald embodies the true spirit of the schooner, adapted to efficiently fulfill the prevailing conditions and specific demands of her native waters. A.J. Meerwald was one of nearly five hundred schooners built along the Delaware Bay before the decline of the local shipbuilding industry in the 1930s. One hundred years later, there are only a handful of converted schooners still harvesting oysters. Today, A.J. Meerwald is operated by the Bayshore Center at Bivalve as a traveling classroom and vehicle to enjoy the area’s waterways. Passengers can enjoy the excitement and wonder of sailing aboard a 115-foot schooner from the age of sail. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even join the crew in hauling lines and setting sails! Enjoy the great outdoors as you breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the scenery that surrounds you.
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the understanding of the human impact on New Jersey’s aquatic environment through education, advocacy, and programming. BCB operates the authentically restored 1928 oyster schooner A.J. Meerwald, New Jersey’s Official Tall Ship, as a hands-on sailing classroom throughout the region. It also operates the Delaware Bay Museum and offers shore-based programs at its campus and the schooner's home port of Bivalve on the scenic Maurice River in Cumberland County.
For more information, go to www.bayshorecenter.org or contact the Bayshore Center at Bivalve at 856-785-2060 or [email protected].
