LOWER TOWNSHIP SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Four Hours Aboard the A.J. Meerwald: A Century-Old Oyster Schooner and an Extended Day Under Sail
An extended, 4-hour sail from Lower Township aboard the 1928 A.J. Meerwald that pairs hands-on instruction in rigging and navigation with long stretches of open-water viewing—useful for travelers who want more time under sail.
Four Hours Aboard the A.J. Meerwald: A Century-Old Oyster Schooner and an Extended Day Under Sail.
Step aboard the 115-foot A.J. Meerwald, a 1928 oyster schooner, and spend an extended day under sail learning the ropes or simply letting the wind set the pace. The captain and crew provide instruction in sail trim, rigging and navigation while passengers enjoy fresh air, scenic coastal vistas and the chance to spot marine life.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Living Piece of Maritime History
The A.J. Meerwald is a 115-foot oyster schooner built in 1928; sailing aboard connects passengers with near-century-old working-boat traditions while providing generous deck space for observing the coast.
Hands-On Sail Instruction
The captain and crew offer onboard education in sail trim, rigging and navigation, making the extended day ideal for passengers who want more time to practice or to deepen their seamanship knowledge.
Scenic Views and Sea Life
With extra hours under sail, passengers can scan the horizon for dolphins and other marine life—bring binoculars to make the most of the sightings and long coastal stretches.
What the day feels like
What Four Hours on Deck Feels Like
This extended-day sail lengthens the time the schooner spends under canvas: expect periods of instruction and active participation interleaved with long, quieter stretches to relax, watch the water, and eat a packed lunch while the vessel slips along the coast.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this sail suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience is an extended day sail lasting four hours.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, and pack a lunch plus snacks for the day aboard.
No smoking is permitted onboard; strollers and pets (other than service animals) are not allowed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sail?
The Extended Day Sail runs four hours.
Is this trip suitable for first-time sailors?
This experience is intended for passengers who have sailed with the operator or on other vessels before and who want more time under sail; crew provide instruction but the outing assumes some prior familiarity with being aboard a sailing vessel.
Can I bring young children?
Children under 5 are not recommended; children ages 5–17 are permitted but must be accompanied by an adult.
Are pets or strollers allowed?
No—pets and strollers are not permitted onboard; service animals are the exception.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing and pack a lunch and snacks to enjoy during the four-hour sail.
Is smoking allowed on board?
No—smoking is not permitted anywhere on the vessel.