Kalmar Nyckel returns to Greenport this summer

The Kalmar Nyckel, a nearly 100-foot replica of a 1638 Swedish merchant ship, is sailing back into Greenport this summer, offering Long Islanders a rare chance to climb aboard — and even help hoist a sail on a piece of living history.

Docking at Greenport’s Railroad Dock (104 Fourth St.), the tall ship will be in port from July 20-26, with a full slate of 2.5-hour day-sail excursions and free afternoon deck tours.

This month marks the ship’s fourth visit to Long Island, following previous stops in 2022, 2023 and 2025. Based in Delaware, the ship will arrive in Greenport from Sail250 celebration in Boston.

The Kalmar Nyckel is a 141-foot full-scale replica of a 17th-century Swedish warship that carried settlers to North America in 1638, helping establish the colony of New Sweden in present-day Delaware. The original vessel later served in wartime, carrying a crew of about 55 men and a dozen cannons before it was lost in 1652 while defending a Dutch herring fleet off the coast of Scotland.

Today’s version, operated by the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, serves as a floating classroom and ambassador for Delaware, sailing to ports along the East Coast. The tall ship is crewed by trained volunteers who not only operate the vessel but also guide visitors through its history and life at sea in the 1600s. Ornate carvings along the stern, including a mermaid, merman and castle, reflect its Swedish origins and add to the immersive feel onboard.

For Long Islanders, the visit is also a nod to local maritime history. Greenport’s harbor was once filled with merchant and whaling vessels, making the arrival of a tall ship like the Kalmar Nyckel feel like a glimpse into the village’s past. Mark MacNish, 67, of Mattituck, grew up racing regattas with his brother Rory off Greenport and seized the chance to board the ship in 2022, retracing familiar waters from a new perspective.

"When I saw the opportunity to book an afternoon, I booked us both," MacNish said. "I loved hearing about the ship’s history and seeing the carvings on it."

During the sail, passengers are invited to help the crew hoist a halyard — a hands-on moment that stood out for MacNish.

"We really felt the physical weight of it as we pulled and watched it rise," he said. "I think the fact that we were part of raising it was thrilling."

Michael Murphy, 51, of Riverhead, sailed on the ship last summer with his son Sebastian, who was 10 at the time. He said the crew’s ability to balance education with entertainment made it especially engaging for families.

"The staff was beyond awesome," Murphy said. "They were very knowledgeable of the history of the ship. They made it entertaining with little anecdotes about sea travel, as well as being completely open to inquisitive kids asking every question imaginable."