LOWER TOWNSHIP SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Aboard the A.J. Meerwald: A Hands‑On Family Sail Through Cape May’s Bays
A 2 hour 15 minute, family-focused environmental education sail aboard the 115‑foot oyster schooner A.J. Meerwald that pairs hands‑on trawling and traditional sail work with bayside scenery.
Aboard the A.J. Meerwald: A Hands‑On Family Sail Through Cape May’s Bays.
Step aboard the historic A.J. Meerwald and spend a little over two hours learning how the bay lives and how this working schooner once made its living. The Family Environmental Education Sail places families on deck for hands‑on activities — from deploying a trawl net and inspecting the catch to helping hoist sails — while crew lead exploration of marine life and traditional sailing tasks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A living oyster schooner from 1928
The sail is hosted aboard the 115‑foot A.J. Meerwald, an oyster schooner built in 1928 — a tangible link to nearly a century of working‑boat tradition that sets the tone for a hands‑on maritime lesson.
Trawling and marine‑life exploration
Guests are invited to join crew in deploying a net into the bay, hauling up the catch, and examining marine life up close under guided interpretation — a core educational moment of the sail.
Sail‑work, chores and open‑water downtime
Whether you choose to assist in hoisting sails and traditional sailing tasks or simply relax on deck, the program blends practical skill‑sharing with fresh air and scenic views for all ages.
What the day feels like
What the sail actually feels like
The outing moves at an educational pace: after boarding and orientation, crew invite families into the work of the boat — setting lines, hoisting sails, and deploying a trawl net. When the net comes up, it becomes a mobile classroom as participants inspect and learn about the bay’s creatures; between activities there are stretches to sit back, feel the wind and take in shoreline views.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail suits — and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure at the Cape May Ferry Terminal; the program runs roughly 2 hours 15 minutes.
Plan for fresh air and sun; note that strollers are not permitted aboard, pets and comfort animals are not allowed (service animals only), and smoking is prohibited onboard. If you have specific accessibility needs, call in advance.
Onboard restrooms are available but are not ADA accessible; shoreside facilities are available inside the terminal.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Family Environmental Education Sail?
The sail lasts 2 hours 15 minutes.
Where do we meet and when should we arrive?
The sail departs from the Cape May Ferry Terminal (1200 Lincoln Blvd, North Cape May); please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
Are young children allowed?
The program is not recommended for children under 5; children ages 5–17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring my pet or a comfort animal?
No — pets and comfort animals are not permitted; only service animals are allowed.
Are the docks and onboard facilities accessible?
The dock can be steep depending on tides and boarding requires ascending about 2–4 steps. Crew may assist and can sometimes lift wheelchairs, but onboard restrooms are not ADA accessible; shoreside facilities are available inside the terminal. Call 856‑265‑1991 in advance to discuss specific needs.
Can children and adults participate in the hands‑on activities?
Yes — guests of all ages are invited to participate in trawling, help hoist sails, and assist with traditional sailing tasks under crew guidance, though younger children should be closely supervised.