LOWER TOWNSHIP SAILING FIELD GUIDE
A Century-Old Oyster Schooner, Fresh Shucked Oysters and a Hands-On Sail off Cape May
Board the 1928 A.J. Meerwald for a two-hour sail from the Cape May Ferry Terminal—help hoist sails or relax with a dozen local oysters and your own beer or wine.
A Century-Old Oyster Schooner, Fresh Shucked Oysters and a Hands-On Sail off Cape May.
Step aboard the historic A.J. Meerwald, a 115-foot oyster schooner built in 1928, and experience life on the water as it was nearly a century ago—an authentic maritime outing along Cape May’s coastline that pairs hands-on sailing with freshly shucked Delaware Bay oysters.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A.J. Meerwald: Living Maritime History
The trip sails aboard the A.J. Meerwald, a 1928 oyster schooner preserved as a working vessel—an opportunity to feel the lines and sails of a traditional oyster boat under way.
Fresh, Local Oysters on the Half Shell
Passengers enjoy a dozen freshly shucked local oysters on the half shell during the sail; guests are invited to bring their own beer or wine to accompany the tasting.
Hands-On or Sit Back and Watch
This specialty sail offers a hands-on experience—guests may assist crew with hauling lines and hoisting sails—or they may simply relax on deck to take in scenic views of the Cape May coastline.
What the day feels like
What the Sail Feels Like
Over two hours you’ll leave the Cape May Ferry Terminal aboard the classic oyster schooner, where wind in the rigging and the smell of brine set the tempo—crew invite participation with light sailing tasks, and plates of local oysters arrive to punctuate stretches of coast-hugging quiet.
THE VESSEL
A.J. Meerwald: Living Maritime History
The trip sails aboard the A.J. Meerwald, a 1928 oyster schooner preserved as a working vessel—an opportunity to feel the lines and sails of a traditional oyster boat under way.
THE MENU
Fresh, Local Oysters on the Half Shell
Passengers enjoy a dozen freshly shucked local oysters on the half shell during the sail; guests are invited to bring their own beer or wine to accompany the tasting.
THE SAIL
Hands-On or Sit Back and Watch
This specialty sail offers a hands-on experience—guests may assist crew with hauling lines and hoisting sails—or they may simply relax on deck to take in scenic views of the Cape May coastline.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The specialty sail lasts approximately 2 hours.
Departures are from the Cape May Ferry Terminal (1200 Lincoln Blvd, North Cape May); please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Guests may bring their own beer or wine; the sail includes a dozen freshly shucked local oysters on the half shell.
Boarding requires ascending 2–4 steps and the dock can be steep at times; onboard restrooms are not ADA accessible. Service animals only; no pets or strollers permitted. Call ahead to discuss specific accessibility needs at 856-265-1991.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sail?
The specialty sail is approximately 2 hours long.
Where do we board and when should we arrive?
The sail departs from the Cape May Ferry Terminal (1200 Lincoln Blvd, North Cape May); guests should arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Are oysters provided and can I bring alcohol?
Passengers receive a dozen freshly shucked local oysters on the half shell, and guests are invited to bring their own beer or wine.
Is the trip suitable for young children?
The outing is not recommended for children under 5; children ages 5–17 must be accompanied by an adult.
What accessibility accommodations are available?
The dock can be steep and boarding requires ascending approximately 2–4 steps; onboard restrooms are not ADA accessible. Shoreside facilities are available and guests with specific needs should call 856-265-1991 in advance.
Can I bring my pet or stroller?
No pets or comfort animals are permitted (service animals only), and strollers are not permitted onboard.