Bow

Prowling the waters around Delaware is the The Kalmar Nyckel, a fetching recreation of the 17th century Swedish pirate ship.

Ship's Bell

This was the ship's bell. The ship's bell was a communications tool. It would be rung in various ways to describe the current time and who was supposed to be on watch, to indicating fire, fog, or other emergencies.

Deck Detail

Even hundreds of years ago ships were complicated systems. About the decks of the Kalmar Nyckel, you will find numerous simple machines to translate human effort into mechanical utility. This detail here is of a pin used to lock one of the several winches onboard in place..

Block & Tackle

This is a look at some of the block and tackle aboard the Kalmar Nyckel. Ever effort was made to mechnically multiply human labor. In a world before the motor, the only shipboard power was human.

Block & Tackle 2

Here is another look at the block and tackle.

Notice the variety and care of the knots. While knowledge of knots and ropes may seem trivial in the modern world, aboard a sailing ship, it is vital.

Cannon Hatch

The Kalmar Nyckel was an armed, military ship. She was equipped with several cannon with which she could assault and loot smaller, unarmed merchantmen. The doors to the gunport are normally kept closed, to keep water out, but are fitted here with ropes leading to the deck, by which means the ship could be quickly readied for action.

Flags

Today's Kalmar Nyckel proudly flies the US Flag, but, with an eye towards history, and perhaps a bit of pirate booty, she flies a smaller pirate flag as well.

Mast

This is one of the Kalmar Nyckel's three masts. Pictured in the distance is a line of thunderstorms. These powerful storms would force an early end to the day's shipboard tours.

Rope Head

Here is another example of the expert craftsmanship aboard this richly made ship. Thick rope is carefully coiled about a wooden head made for the purpose, but carved almost for a musuem.

Window

This is one of the window's into the captain's quarters, located to the rear of the ship. The faces carved below are called ship's angels and they represent local dignitaries and persons of import that helped bring the Kalmar Nyckel to life.

Knight

This knight seemingly serves to guard the other carvings, the ship's angels.

Woodwork

A bird? A man? The richly carved woodwork of the Kalmar Nyckel can take on a humorous, mythical, and whimsical fancy, depending upon one's perspective. Notice how the wood appears to have been repainted many times. The sea is a harsh, harsh environment.

Dog

These dogs stand silent but playful watch.

Captain's Cabin

This is looking inside the captain's quarters. The captain's quarters could also be used by visiting dignitaries and ranking officers. The Captain of the ship for its 1638 crossing was Jan Hindricksen van der Water and it is said that he saved the ship from possible destruction by storm during its crossing. In charge of the overall expedition was no less than Peter Minuit, the man who purchased Manhattan for $24.

Captain's Drink

This is detail of a glass bottle and inscription on Kalmar Nyckel. The current Kalmar Nyckel, unlike its historical ancestor, actually has not only a modern galley but also a modern bar below decks. We'll be sure to visit that the next time we stop by.

Stern

Complete with detailed abdominal muscles, this carving of the mermaid on the stern is fairly fit, but perhaps the sea has been a bit less kind to the areas above the neck.

The Kalmary Nyckel