BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The CT Beacon - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:The CT Beacon
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://thectbeacon.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The CT Beacon
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260920T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260920T150000
DTSTAMP:20260912T020930Z
CREATED:20260912T020930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260912T020930Z
UID:10007552-1789909200-1789916400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Salsa on the Thames Brings Colombian and Puerto Rican Music to a New London Harbor Cruise
DESCRIPTION:Salsa on the Thames turns a Thames River Heritage Park boat into a floating Latin music venue Sunday\, September 20\, with musicians Alessandra Gonzalez and Daniel Villegas performing aboard two one-hour cruises in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. \nThe cruises depart from City Pier in New London at 1 and 3 p.m.\, carrying passengers onto the Thames River for an unusual combination of live music\, cultural celebration and sightseeing. \nTickets are $40 for adults and $5 for children. \nAnd the two performers aren’t simply musicians hired to play a collection of Latin standards. Gonzalez and Villegas are childhood friends whose Puerto Rican and Colombian backgrounds\, longtime musical collaboration\, and shared connection to New York’s Latino community are central to the event. \nTwo Childhood Friends Reunited Through Music\nThames River Heritage Park describes Alessandra Gonzalez and Daniel Villegas as childhood friends whose Indigenous heritage and “Nuyorican way of thinking” connect Colombia and Puerto Rico. \nTheir musical relationship has continued well into adulthood. \nGonzalez has appeared on several Villegas recordings\, and the two have performed together at Latin and Hispanic heritage events in New York’s Hudson Valley. \nTheir collaborations include Orgullo y Dolor\, Mi Otra Mitad and Yo Nací Pa’ Esto. \nMore recently\, they joined forces with Mexican rapper and poet Bocafloja on Villegas’ 2026 recording Destination Protocol. \nFor Salsa on the Thames\, however\, the emphasis isn’t on putting a recording on the boat’s speakers. \nIt’s live music. \nAlessandra Gonzalez Found Her Way Back to the Stage\nGonzalez’s story includes a lengthy interruption. \nBorn in New York and raised in Puerto Rico\, she began performing as a child and participated in television programs\, competitions and theater productions on the island. \nShe later studied music education at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. \nThen life moved in another direction. \nAfter becoming a mother and settling in New York\, Gonzalez stepped away from performing for more than a decade. \nHer son eventually asked her why she didn’t start singing again. \nThat question changed things. \nGonzalez returned to music in 2017\, initially singing with La Super Latina radio in Poughkeepsie before gradually moving back into public performances. \nSmall community appearances led to festivals\, cultural celebrations\, university performances and increasingly ambitious live shows. \nToday she describes herself as a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and Latin fusion artist\, blending Caribbean musical traditions with contemporary influences. \nHer recent performances have included Hispanic Heritage celebrations across several states\, SUNY Orange\, Warwick’s Juneteenth Concert Series\, Applefest\, Poughkeepsie PorchFest and other Hudson Valley events. \nHer Music Is Rooted in Puerto Rico\nGonzalez’s recorded work makes that connection particularly clear. \nHer debut single\, Como Te Olvido\, arrived in 2023. \nIn 2025 she released Noche en la Parguera\, a song rooted in Puerto Rican imagery and named for the coastal community of La Parguera in Lajas. \nHer influences include some formidable names in Latin music. \nGonzalez has cited Celia Cruz and Olga Tañón among the artists who helped shape her musical identity\, alongside contemporary Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. \nCruz\, in particular\, provides an obvious connection to Sunday’s event. \nYou can’t tell the story of salsa without her. \nSalsa Was Born From Cultural Collision\nSalsa isn’t a single traditional folk style that appeared fully formed in one place. \nIt grew from an extraordinary mixture of musical cultures. \nCuban son\, mambo and other Afro-Cuban forms played central roles. Puerto Rican musicians brought their own rhythms and traditions. Jazz added another influence. \nThen those sounds collided in New York City\, particularly within Puerto Rican\, Cuban and other Latino communities during the mid-20th century. \nBy the 1960s and ’70s\, the word “salsa” had become associated with the explosive New York sound being developed by musicians including Tito Puente\, Willie Colón\, Héctor Lavoe\, Ray Barretto and others. \nThe Fania label helped carry it around the world. \nCelia Cruz became its Queen. \nSo when Thames River Heritage Park describes Gonzalez and Villegas through their Latin American roots and Nuyorican perspective\, that’s not incidental to a salsa cruise. \nNew York’s Latino experience is embedded in the music’s history. \nDaniel Villegas Brings Colombia\, Poetry and Percussion Into the Mix\nVillegas comes to the cruise from a somewhat different musical direction. \nHe is a Latino poet\, writer\, instructor\, recording artist and conga player\, with work that crosses poetry\, hip-hop\, percussion and Latin music. \nHis catalog includes the albums Poetry Meets Slam\, Emcee Scrolls and 2024’s Evolution Gold. \nIn 2026 he released Beats and Lyrics\, Vol. 1: Music Makes the World Go Round\, a 14-track project incorporating hip-hop\, spoken-word and collaborative work. \nVillegas’ music frequently crosses cultural and stylistic borders rather than remaining inside a single genre. \nThat makes percussion especially important. \nThe conga itself carries a history stretching from African musical traditions through Cuba and into the broader vocabulary of salsa and Latin popular music. \nOn a boat where there isn’t much distance between musician and listener\, percussion should be particularly immediate. \nYou’re not watching from the back row. \nYou’re on the same deck. \nGonzalez and Villegas Already Know How to Build a Latin Celebration\nThe two have also shared stages specifically designed around Latino culture. \nIn May 2026\, Gonzalez and Villegas appeared together at La Casita: A Celebration of Latin Heritage in Newburgh\, New York\, alongside Cuboriqua and Drés Tiago. \nEarlier performances have placed them at Hispanic heritage festivals and community cultural celebrations throughout the Hudson Valley. \nThat experience matters here because Salsa on the Thames isn’t being presented simply as a concert with a Spanish-language playlist. \nIt’s part of Hispanic Heritage Month\, which runs nationally from September 15 through October 15. \nThe cruise is meant to celebrate culture as much as music. \nWhy Hispanic Heritage Month Starts in the Middle of September\nThe unusual September 15 start date is deliberate. \nSeveral Latin American nations celebrate independence anniversaries during the same period. \nCosta Rica\, El Salvador\, Guatemala\, Honduras and Nicaragua commemorate independence on September 15. \nMexico follows on September 16. \nChile follows on September 18. \nThe United States first established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was expanded into a monthlong observance in 1988. \nThat makes September 20 an especially appropriate date to put Colombian and Puerto Rican musical traditions on the river. \nThe Thames Becomes the Venue\nThe other half of this event is the setting. \nThames River Heritage Park isn’t a conventional park contained behind a gate. It connects historic and cultural sites along the New London and Groton sides of the Thames River\, using the water itself as the thread between them. \nIts boats are part of that history. \nThe Park operates refurbished former U.S. Navy utility boats\, once used to transport sailors between ships and shore. \nToday they carry passengers past a waterfront dominated by centuries of maritime history. \nDepending on the route and conditions\, a Thames River cruise can offer views of New London’s waterfront\, Fort Trumbull\, Groton’s shoreline and the working river. \nOn September 20\, however\, the soundtrack changes. \nThis Isn’t a Dance Floor\, and That’s Part of the Fun\nThe name Salsa on the Thames might conjure up an enormous dance floor floating down the river. \nThat’s not quite what this is. \nThese are historic utility boats\, not ballroom cruise ships. \nThe experience is a one-hour intimate music cruise\, with Gonzalez and Villegas performing close to the passengers. \nToe tapping is specifically encouraged. \nAnything more ambitious may depend on available deck space and the captain’s opinion of your footwork. \nThe intimacy is actually one of the attraction’s strengths. \nA large concert can put hundreds of feet between an audience and a performer. \nHere\, everyone is sharing one relatively small boat. \nKnow the Boat Before You Book\nThere are some practical considerations that matter\, particularly for visitors with mobility limitations. \nThames River Heritage Park states that its boats are not ADA compliant. \nPassengers must be able to negotiate four steps and board and disembark independently\, although crew members can provide limited courtesy assistance. \nThere is also no restroom aboard the boat. \nGuests may bring snacks and beverages\, but glass containers aren’t permitted. \nThose details matter more on a specialty cruise than they might sound on paper. Once the boat leaves City Pier\, the venue is moving. \nPlan accordingly. \nAn Hour of Music With New London Moving Past\nThe concept is wonderfully simple. \nTake two longtime friends whose music reflects Puerto Rico\, Colombia\, New York and the larger Latin American experience. \nPut them aboard a historic Navy boat. \nLeave City Pier. \nAnd spend an hour listening while the New London and Groton waterfronts move past. \nThere are only two opportunities to do it. \nOne at 1. \nOne at 3. \nFor one Sunday afternoon\, the Thames gets a little salsa. \nDetails\nEvent: Salsa on the Thames\nDate: Sunday\, September 20\, 2026\nCruise Times: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.\nDuration: One hour\nDeparture: City Pier\, New London\nCity Pier Address: 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT 06320\nPresented By: Thames River Heritage Park\nOccasion: Hispanic Heritage Month\nPerformers: Alessandra Gonzalez and Daniel Villegas\nMusic & Culture: Puerto Rican and Colombian influences with live Latin music and percussion\nAdult Tickets: $40\nChildren: $5\nBoat: Refurbished former U.S. Navy utility vessel\nRestroom: No restroom aboard\nAccessibility: Boats are not ADA compliant; passengers must navigate four steps and be able to board and disembark independently with minimal courtesy assistance\nFood & Drink: Passengers may bring snacks and beverages; no glass containers\nWeather: Cruises are subject to weather and river conditions\nBoat Operations: 860-407-5655 \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/salsa-on-the-thames-brings-colombian-and-puerto-rican-music-to-a-new-london-harbor-cruise/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Salsa-on-the-Thames-Brings-Colombian-and-Puerto-Rican-Music-to-a-New-London-Harbor-Cruise.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T200000
DTSTAMP:20260825T020601Z
CREATED:20260825T020138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T020601Z
UID:10007267-1787943600-1787947200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise Lights Up the Thames River
DESCRIPTION:Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise Lights Up the Thames River on Thursday\, August 27\, setting the scene for a special evening cruise departing from City Pier in New London. \nPresented by Thames River Heritage Park\, the one-hour cruise leaves at 7:15 p.m.\, just as daylight begins fading from the river. Instead of exploring the Thames primarily for its history\, this trip turns the attention upward\, with the late-summer full moon becoming part of the landscape. \nThe cruise is open to all ages\, and guests can bring their own snacks and beverages aboard. \nWhy Is It Called the Sturgeon Moon?\nLong before calendars hung on kitchen walls\, seasonal changes could be marked by what was happening in the natural world. \nTraditional names associated with full moons reflected those rhythms. \nThe August full moon became known as the Sturgeon Moon because late summer was historically associated with plentiful catches of lake sturgeon\, the enormous freshwater fish native to North America. \nIt’s a fitting name for a full moon viewed from the water. \nSee the Thames After Dark\nThe Thames River looks very different once the sun disappears. \nNew London’s waterfront gives way to a river lined with maritime landmarks\, working waterfronts and generations of naval history. As darkness settles in\, lights along the shoreline begin reflecting across the water while the moon rises above the river. \nThat’s the experience this cruise is built around. \nRather than a traditional daytime sightseeing trip\, the Sturgeon Moon Cruise combines the maritime setting with the changing evening sky. \nThe result depends a little on nature cooperating. \nEvening cruises are weather dependent\, and guests should check for updated information before heading to City Pier if conditions are questionable. \nA River Filled With History\nThe moon may be the attraction overhead\, but there’s plenty surrounding the boat. \nThe Thames passes through one of the most historically significant maritime corridors in Connecticut. \nNew London developed into an important colonial seaport and later became closely associated with whaling. Across the river\, Groton’s identity became increasingly connected to shipbuilding\, submarines and the U.S. Navy. \nToday\, Thames River Heritage Park connects many of those stories through historic sites and experiences on both sides of the river. \nThe organization also operates seasonal boat tours that allow visitors to experience the region from the perspective that shaped so much of its history: the water. \nBring Something for the Ride\nThis is a casual evening excursion. \nGuests are welcome to pack a cooler with their favorite beverages and snacks and bring them aboard for the cruise. \nThat makes the hour less like a formal narrated tour and more like an opportunity to settle in\, watch the shoreline pass and enjoy the full moon from the river. \nFamilies are welcome\, too. \nTickets are $50 for adults 18 and older and $35 for children ages 4 through 17. Infants and children age 3 and younger ride free. \nTwo Nights Under the Sturgeon Moon\nThere are actually two opportunities to take the cruise. \nThames River Heritage Park has scheduled Sturgeon Moon cruises for Thursday\, August 27\, and Friday\, August 28\, both departing at 7:15 p.m. \nEach excursion lasts approximately one hour. \nThe Thursday cruise departs from City Pier at 1 Waterfront Park in downtown New London. \nWith August nearing its end\, the timing catches one of those brief stretches when summer evenings are still warm but darkness is beginning to arrive a little earlier. \nAdd a full moon over the Thames\, and the river gets to put on the show. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise\nDates: Thursday\, August 27 and Friday\, August 28\, 2026\nTime: 7:15–8:15 p.m.\nDeparture: City Pier\nAddress: 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT 06320\nPresented by: Thames River Heritage Park\nAdults 18+: $50\nChildren ages 4–17: $35\nChildren ages 0–3: Free\nAges: All ages\nFood and Beverages: Guests may bring a cooler with snacks and beverages\nWeather: Evening cruises are weather dependent \nThe Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise offers a one-hour evening trip along the historic Thames River as the August full moon rises over the water. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/full-sturgeon-moon-cruise-lights-up-the-thames-river/2026-08-28/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Full-Sturgeon-Moon-Cruise-Lights-Up-the-Thames-River.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T200000
DTSTAMP:20260825T020601Z
CREATED:20260825T020138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T020601Z
UID:10007266-1787857200-1787860800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise Lights Up the Thames River
DESCRIPTION:Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise Lights Up the Thames River on Thursday\, August 27\, setting the scene for a special evening cruise departing from City Pier in New London. \nPresented by Thames River Heritage Park\, the one-hour cruise leaves at 7:15 p.m.\, just as daylight begins fading from the river. Instead of exploring the Thames primarily for its history\, this trip turns the attention upward\, with the late-summer full moon becoming part of the landscape. \nThe cruise is open to all ages\, and guests can bring their own snacks and beverages aboard. \nWhy Is It Called the Sturgeon Moon?\nLong before calendars hung on kitchen walls\, seasonal changes could be marked by what was happening in the natural world. \nTraditional names associated with full moons reflected those rhythms. \nThe August full moon became known as the Sturgeon Moon because late summer was historically associated with plentiful catches of lake sturgeon\, the enormous freshwater fish native to North America. \nIt’s a fitting name for a full moon viewed from the water. \nSee the Thames After Dark\nThe Thames River looks very different once the sun disappears. \nNew London’s waterfront gives way to a river lined with maritime landmarks\, working waterfronts and generations of naval history. As darkness settles in\, lights along the shoreline begin reflecting across the water while the moon rises above the river. \nThat’s the experience this cruise is built around. \nRather than a traditional daytime sightseeing trip\, the Sturgeon Moon Cruise combines the maritime setting with the changing evening sky. \nThe result depends a little on nature cooperating. \nEvening cruises are weather dependent\, and guests should check for updated information before heading to City Pier if conditions are questionable. \nA River Filled With History\nThe moon may be the attraction overhead\, but there’s plenty surrounding the boat. \nThe Thames passes through one of the most historically significant maritime corridors in Connecticut. \nNew London developed into an important colonial seaport and later became closely associated with whaling. Across the river\, Groton’s identity became increasingly connected to shipbuilding\, submarines and the U.S. Navy. \nToday\, Thames River Heritage Park connects many of those stories through historic sites and experiences on both sides of the river. \nThe organization also operates seasonal boat tours that allow visitors to experience the region from the perspective that shaped so much of its history: the water. \nBring Something for the Ride\nThis is a casual evening excursion. \nGuests are welcome to pack a cooler with their favorite beverages and snacks and bring them aboard for the cruise. \nThat makes the hour less like a formal narrated tour and more like an opportunity to settle in\, watch the shoreline pass and enjoy the full moon from the river. \nFamilies are welcome\, too. \nTickets are $50 for adults 18 and older and $35 for children ages 4 through 17. Infants and children age 3 and younger ride free. \nTwo Nights Under the Sturgeon Moon\nThere are actually two opportunities to take the cruise. \nThames River Heritage Park has scheduled Sturgeon Moon cruises for Thursday\, August 27\, and Friday\, August 28\, both departing at 7:15 p.m. \nEach excursion lasts approximately one hour. \nThe Thursday cruise departs from City Pier at 1 Waterfront Park in downtown New London. \nWith August nearing its end\, the timing catches one of those brief stretches when summer evenings are still warm but darkness is beginning to arrive a little earlier. \nAdd a full moon over the Thames\, and the river gets to put on the show. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise\nDates: Thursday\, August 27 and Friday\, August 28\, 2026\nTime: 7:15–8:15 p.m.\nDeparture: City Pier\nAddress: 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT 06320\nPresented by: Thames River Heritage Park\nAdults 18+: $50\nChildren ages 4–17: $35\nChildren ages 0–3: Free\nAges: All ages\nFood and Beverages: Guests may bring a cooler with snacks and beverages\nWeather: Evening cruises are weather dependent \nThe Full Sturgeon Moon Cruise offers a one-hour evening trip along the historic Thames River as the August full moon rises over the water. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/full-sturgeon-moon-cruise-lights-up-the-thames-river/2026-08-27/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Full-Sturgeon-Moon-Cruise-Lights-Up-the-Thames-River.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260816T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260816T123000
DTSTAMP:20260813T142204Z
CREATED:20260813T142204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T142204Z
UID:10007178-1786874400-1786883400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London
DESCRIPTION:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London August 14–16 when the Tall Ship of Delaware arrives at New London City Pier for five public sailing trips on Long Island Sound. Rather than simply touring the ship at the dock\, passengers spend 2½ hours underway aboard a full-scale recreation of the 17th-century vessel that carried the first Swedish settlers to the Delaware Valley. \nThis is also a hands-on tall ship experience. Guests can help the crew raise sails and haul lines\, listen to stories about the ship and maritime life\, or find a place on deck and simply enjoy the trip. The exact sailing experience changes with the wind and conditions\, which is rather the point when you’re aboard a ship powered by canvas instead of following a sightseeing route on a motor vessel. \nFive sails are scheduled across three days\, including morning and afternoon trips Friday\, morning and late-afternoon trips Saturday\, and a final Sunday morning sail. Current booking information shows fares ranging from $40 for youth ages 12 and younger to $75 for adults\, with advance reservations recommended. (Kalmar Nyckel Booking) \nThe Ship That Helped Found New Sweden\nThe original Kalmar Nyckel played a remarkable role in early American history. \nIn 1637\, the ship left Europe as the flagship of an expedition led by Peter Minuit to establish a Swedish colony in North America. After crossing the Atlantic\, the expedition entered the Delaware River in March 1638 and established Fort Christina\, in what is now Wilmington\, Delaware. \nThat settlement became the beginning of New Sweden and the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. (Sea History Association) \nKalmar Nyckel wasn’t finished after that first crossing. The ship ultimately completed four round-trip Atlantic voyages between Sweden and North America\, more documented crossings than any other colonial ship of the period. \nThe original vessel later returned to naval and merchant service before being sunk during a battle with English forces in 1652. \nSailing Aboard a 17th-Century Ship\nThe Kalmar Nyckel visiting New London isn’t the original ship\, but neither is it a conventional modern tour boat dressed to look old. \nThe full-scale recreation was built by the nonprofit Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington\, Delaware\, just downstream from the site where the original ship landed in 1638. It was launched in 1997 and commissioned the following year. \nThe ship is operated with the help of a large volunteer crew trained in traditional seamanship. That working-ship approach carries over to the public sails. \nPassengers who want to participate can lend a hand as the crew handles lines and raises sail. You don’t have to\, though. Helping sail the ship is optional\, and watching the crew work from the deck is part of the experience in itself. \nFor children who’ve only seen this kind of ship in a movie or museum\, seeing the rigging put to work can make 17th-century maritime history considerably more tangible. \nFive Chances to Sail from New London\nThe New London visit includes five separate public sails. \nFriday\, August 14\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday\, August 15\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday\, August 16\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nEach trip lasts approximately 2½ hours and departs from New London City Pier. The Saturday evening departure offers a particularly different experience\, leaving at 5 p.m. for an early-evening sail on Long Island Sound. \nThe ship’s current booking schedule lists all five New London departures. \nA Hands-On History Lesson for Kids\nFamilies don’t need any sailing experience to participate. \nKids can see how a large wooden sailing vessel actually operates and watch crew members work with the maze of ropes\, sails and rigging overhead. Those who want to get involved can help haul lines alongside the crew. \nThere’s also a larger story behind what they’re doing. Ships like Kalmar Nyckel crossed an Atlantic without engines\, GPS\, weather radar or instant communication with shore. Wind\, navigation and the ability of a crew to work together determined whether a voyage succeeded. \nThe modern Kalmar Nyckel Foundation uses the ship as a floating classroom and educational platform\, reaching tens of thousands of people through sails\, school programs and other activities each year. (Do More 24 Delaware) \nSailing from New London City Pier\nAll five trips depart from New London Waterfront Park and the City Pier area in downtown New London. \nCity Pier sits directly on the downtown waterfront near Union Station\, making the departure point unusually convenient for a tall ship sail. Restaurants and downtown New London are within walking distance\, so the trip can easily become part of a longer afternoon or evening in the city. \nPassengers should leave enough time to park and reach the pier before boarding rather than arriving at the scheduled departure time. \nTickets\nAdult admission is $75\, while tickets for youth ages 12 and younger are $40. \nAdvance reservations are recommended\, particularly because each sailing has limited capacity. Some of the ship’s other August 2026 public sails have already sold out. \nEvent Details\nDates: Friday\, August 14–Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nFriday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday Sailing: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nDuration: Approximately 2½ hours \nShip: Kalmar Nyckel\, the Tall Ship of Delaware \nLocation: New London City Pier \nCity: New London\, CT \nAdult Admission: $75 \nYouth Admission: $40 for ages 12 and younger \nExperience: Public sailing excursion on Long Island Sound with opportunities to help raise sails and haul lines. \nReservations: Advance reservations are recommended. \nQuestions: (302) 429-7447 \nMore Information\nFor more information\, visit the event website using the Event Website link below. \nFor ticket purchases\, click on the Ticketing link below. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/sail-with-the-tall-ship-kalmar-nyckel-in-new-london/2026-08-16/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sail-with-the-Tall-Ship-Kalmar-Nyckel-in-New-London-Friday-Sun-August-14-16.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T193000
DTSTAMP:20260813T142204Z
CREATED:20260813T142204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T142204Z
UID:10007177-1786813200-1786822200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London
DESCRIPTION:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London August 14–16 when the Tall Ship of Delaware arrives at New London City Pier for five public sailing trips on Long Island Sound. Rather than simply touring the ship at the dock\, passengers spend 2½ hours underway aboard a full-scale recreation of the 17th-century vessel that carried the first Swedish settlers to the Delaware Valley. \nThis is also a hands-on tall ship experience. Guests can help the crew raise sails and haul lines\, listen to stories about the ship and maritime life\, or find a place on deck and simply enjoy the trip. The exact sailing experience changes with the wind and conditions\, which is rather the point when you’re aboard a ship powered by canvas instead of following a sightseeing route on a motor vessel. \nFive sails are scheduled across three days\, including morning and afternoon trips Friday\, morning and late-afternoon trips Saturday\, and a final Sunday morning sail. Current booking information shows fares ranging from $40 for youth ages 12 and younger to $75 for adults\, with advance reservations recommended. (Kalmar Nyckel Booking) \nThe Ship That Helped Found New Sweden\nThe original Kalmar Nyckel played a remarkable role in early American history. \nIn 1637\, the ship left Europe as the flagship of an expedition led by Peter Minuit to establish a Swedish colony in North America. After crossing the Atlantic\, the expedition entered the Delaware River in March 1638 and established Fort Christina\, in what is now Wilmington\, Delaware. \nThat settlement became the beginning of New Sweden and the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. (Sea History Association) \nKalmar Nyckel wasn’t finished after that first crossing. The ship ultimately completed four round-trip Atlantic voyages between Sweden and North America\, more documented crossings than any other colonial ship of the period. \nThe original vessel later returned to naval and merchant service before being sunk during a battle with English forces in 1652. \nSailing Aboard a 17th-Century Ship\nThe Kalmar Nyckel visiting New London isn’t the original ship\, but neither is it a conventional modern tour boat dressed to look old. \nThe full-scale recreation was built by the nonprofit Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington\, Delaware\, just downstream from the site where the original ship landed in 1638. It was launched in 1997 and commissioned the following year. \nThe ship is operated with the help of a large volunteer crew trained in traditional seamanship. That working-ship approach carries over to the public sails. \nPassengers who want to participate can lend a hand as the crew handles lines and raises sail. You don’t have to\, though. Helping sail the ship is optional\, and watching the crew work from the deck is part of the experience in itself. \nFor children who’ve only seen this kind of ship in a movie or museum\, seeing the rigging put to work can make 17th-century maritime history considerably more tangible. \nFive Chances to Sail from New London\nThe New London visit includes five separate public sails. \nFriday\, August 14\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday\, August 15\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday\, August 16\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nEach trip lasts approximately 2½ hours and departs from New London City Pier. The Saturday evening departure offers a particularly different experience\, leaving at 5 p.m. for an early-evening sail on Long Island Sound. \nThe ship’s current booking schedule lists all five New London departures. \nA Hands-On History Lesson for Kids\nFamilies don’t need any sailing experience to participate. \nKids can see how a large wooden sailing vessel actually operates and watch crew members work with the maze of ropes\, sails and rigging overhead. Those who want to get involved can help haul lines alongside the crew. \nThere’s also a larger story behind what they’re doing. Ships like Kalmar Nyckel crossed an Atlantic without engines\, GPS\, weather radar or instant communication with shore. Wind\, navigation and the ability of a crew to work together determined whether a voyage succeeded. \nThe modern Kalmar Nyckel Foundation uses the ship as a floating classroom and educational platform\, reaching tens of thousands of people through sails\, school programs and other activities each year. (Do More 24 Delaware) \nSailing from New London City Pier\nAll five trips depart from New London Waterfront Park and the City Pier area in downtown New London. \nCity Pier sits directly on the downtown waterfront near Union Station\, making the departure point unusually convenient for a tall ship sail. Restaurants and downtown New London are within walking distance\, so the trip can easily become part of a longer afternoon or evening in the city. \nPassengers should leave enough time to park and reach the pier before boarding rather than arriving at the scheduled departure time. \nTickets\nAdult admission is $75\, while tickets for youth ages 12 and younger are $40. \nAdvance reservations are recommended\, particularly because each sailing has limited capacity. Some of the ship’s other August 2026 public sails have already sold out. \nEvent Details\nDates: Friday\, August 14–Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nFriday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday Sailing: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nDuration: Approximately 2½ hours \nShip: Kalmar Nyckel\, the Tall Ship of Delaware \nLocation: New London City Pier \nCity: New London\, CT \nAdult Admission: $75 \nYouth Admission: $40 for ages 12 and younger \nExperience: Public sailing excursion on Long Island Sound with opportunities to help raise sails and haul lines. \nReservations: Advance reservations are recommended. \nQuestions: (302) 429-7447 \nMore Information\nFor more information\, visit the event website using the Event Website link below. \nFor ticket purchases\, click on the Ticketing link below. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/sail-with-the-tall-ship-kalmar-nyckel-in-new-london/2026-08-15/2/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sail-with-the-Tall-Ship-Kalmar-Nyckel-in-New-London-Friday-Sun-August-14-16.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260815T123000
DTSTAMP:20260813T142204Z
CREATED:20260813T142204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T142204Z
UID:10007176-1786788000-1786797000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London
DESCRIPTION:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London August 14–16 when the Tall Ship of Delaware arrives at New London City Pier for five public sailing trips on Long Island Sound. Rather than simply touring the ship at the dock\, passengers spend 2½ hours underway aboard a full-scale recreation of the 17th-century vessel that carried the first Swedish settlers to the Delaware Valley. \nThis is also a hands-on tall ship experience. Guests can help the crew raise sails and haul lines\, listen to stories about the ship and maritime life\, or find a place on deck and simply enjoy the trip. The exact sailing experience changes with the wind and conditions\, which is rather the point when you’re aboard a ship powered by canvas instead of following a sightseeing route on a motor vessel. \nFive sails are scheduled across three days\, including morning and afternoon trips Friday\, morning and late-afternoon trips Saturday\, and a final Sunday morning sail. Current booking information shows fares ranging from $40 for youth ages 12 and younger to $75 for adults\, with advance reservations recommended. (Kalmar Nyckel Booking) \nThe Ship That Helped Found New Sweden\nThe original Kalmar Nyckel played a remarkable role in early American history. \nIn 1637\, the ship left Europe as the flagship of an expedition led by Peter Minuit to establish a Swedish colony in North America. After crossing the Atlantic\, the expedition entered the Delaware River in March 1638 and established Fort Christina\, in what is now Wilmington\, Delaware. \nThat settlement became the beginning of New Sweden and the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. (Sea History Association) \nKalmar Nyckel wasn’t finished after that first crossing. The ship ultimately completed four round-trip Atlantic voyages between Sweden and North America\, more documented crossings than any other colonial ship of the period. \nThe original vessel later returned to naval and merchant service before being sunk during a battle with English forces in 1652. \nSailing Aboard a 17th-Century Ship\nThe Kalmar Nyckel visiting New London isn’t the original ship\, but neither is it a conventional modern tour boat dressed to look old. \nThe full-scale recreation was built by the nonprofit Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington\, Delaware\, just downstream from the site where the original ship landed in 1638. It was launched in 1997 and commissioned the following year. \nThe ship is operated with the help of a large volunteer crew trained in traditional seamanship. That working-ship approach carries over to the public sails. \nPassengers who want to participate can lend a hand as the crew handles lines and raises sail. You don’t have to\, though. Helping sail the ship is optional\, and watching the crew work from the deck is part of the experience in itself. \nFor children who’ve only seen this kind of ship in a movie or museum\, seeing the rigging put to work can make 17th-century maritime history considerably more tangible. \nFive Chances to Sail from New London\nThe New London visit includes five separate public sails. \nFriday\, August 14\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday\, August 15\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday\, August 16\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nEach trip lasts approximately 2½ hours and departs from New London City Pier. The Saturday evening departure offers a particularly different experience\, leaving at 5 p.m. for an early-evening sail on Long Island Sound. \nThe ship’s current booking schedule lists all five New London departures. \nA Hands-On History Lesson for Kids\nFamilies don’t need any sailing experience to participate. \nKids can see how a large wooden sailing vessel actually operates and watch crew members work with the maze of ropes\, sails and rigging overhead. Those who want to get involved can help haul lines alongside the crew. \nThere’s also a larger story behind what they’re doing. Ships like Kalmar Nyckel crossed an Atlantic without engines\, GPS\, weather radar or instant communication with shore. Wind\, navigation and the ability of a crew to work together determined whether a voyage succeeded. \nThe modern Kalmar Nyckel Foundation uses the ship as a floating classroom and educational platform\, reaching tens of thousands of people through sails\, school programs and other activities each year. (Do More 24 Delaware) \nSailing from New London City Pier\nAll five trips depart from New London Waterfront Park and the City Pier area in downtown New London. \nCity Pier sits directly on the downtown waterfront near Union Station\, making the departure point unusually convenient for a tall ship sail. Restaurants and downtown New London are within walking distance\, so the trip can easily become part of a longer afternoon or evening in the city. \nPassengers should leave enough time to park and reach the pier before boarding rather than arriving at the scheduled departure time. \nTickets\nAdult admission is $75\, while tickets for youth ages 12 and younger are $40. \nAdvance reservations are recommended\, particularly because each sailing has limited capacity. Some of the ship’s other August 2026 public sails have already sold out. \nEvent Details\nDates: Friday\, August 14–Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nFriday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday Sailing: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nDuration: Approximately 2½ hours \nShip: Kalmar Nyckel\, the Tall Ship of Delaware \nLocation: New London City Pier \nCity: New London\, CT \nAdult Admission: $75 \nYouth Admission: $40 for ages 12 and younger \nExperience: Public sailing excursion on Long Island Sound with opportunities to help raise sails and haul lines. \nReservations: Advance reservations are recommended. \nQuestions: (302) 429-7447 \nMore Information\nFor more information\, visit the event website using the Event Website link below. \nFor ticket purchases\, click on the Ticketing link below. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/sail-with-the-tall-ship-kalmar-nyckel-in-new-london/2026-08-15/1/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sail-with-the-Tall-Ship-Kalmar-Nyckel-in-New-London-Friday-Sun-August-14-16.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T173000
DTSTAMP:20260813T142204Z
CREATED:20260813T142204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T142204Z
UID:10007175-1786719600-1786728600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London
DESCRIPTION:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London August 14–16 when the Tall Ship of Delaware arrives at New London City Pier for five public sailing trips on Long Island Sound. Rather than simply touring the ship at the dock\, passengers spend 2½ hours underway aboard a full-scale recreation of the 17th-century vessel that carried the first Swedish settlers to the Delaware Valley. \nThis is also a hands-on tall ship experience. Guests can help the crew raise sails and haul lines\, listen to stories about the ship and maritime life\, or find a place on deck and simply enjoy the trip. The exact sailing experience changes with the wind and conditions\, which is rather the point when you’re aboard a ship powered by canvas instead of following a sightseeing route on a motor vessel. \nFive sails are scheduled across three days\, including morning and afternoon trips Friday\, morning and late-afternoon trips Saturday\, and a final Sunday morning sail. Current booking information shows fares ranging from $40 for youth ages 12 and younger to $75 for adults\, with advance reservations recommended. (Kalmar Nyckel Booking) \nThe Ship That Helped Found New Sweden\nThe original Kalmar Nyckel played a remarkable role in early American history. \nIn 1637\, the ship left Europe as the flagship of an expedition led by Peter Minuit to establish a Swedish colony in North America. After crossing the Atlantic\, the expedition entered the Delaware River in March 1638 and established Fort Christina\, in what is now Wilmington\, Delaware. \nThat settlement became the beginning of New Sweden and the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. (Sea History Association) \nKalmar Nyckel wasn’t finished after that first crossing. The ship ultimately completed four round-trip Atlantic voyages between Sweden and North America\, more documented crossings than any other colonial ship of the period. \nThe original vessel later returned to naval and merchant service before being sunk during a battle with English forces in 1652. \nSailing Aboard a 17th-Century Ship\nThe Kalmar Nyckel visiting New London isn’t the original ship\, but neither is it a conventional modern tour boat dressed to look old. \nThe full-scale recreation was built by the nonprofit Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington\, Delaware\, just downstream from the site where the original ship landed in 1638. It was launched in 1997 and commissioned the following year. \nThe ship is operated with the help of a large volunteer crew trained in traditional seamanship. That working-ship approach carries over to the public sails. \nPassengers who want to participate can lend a hand as the crew handles lines and raises sail. You don’t have to\, though. Helping sail the ship is optional\, and watching the crew work from the deck is part of the experience in itself. \nFor children who’ve only seen this kind of ship in a movie or museum\, seeing the rigging put to work can make 17th-century maritime history considerably more tangible. \nFive Chances to Sail from New London\nThe New London visit includes five separate public sails. \nFriday\, August 14\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday\, August 15\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday\, August 16\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nEach trip lasts approximately 2½ hours and departs from New London City Pier. The Saturday evening departure offers a particularly different experience\, leaving at 5 p.m. for an early-evening sail on Long Island Sound. \nThe ship’s current booking schedule lists all five New London departures. \nA Hands-On History Lesson for Kids\nFamilies don’t need any sailing experience to participate. \nKids can see how a large wooden sailing vessel actually operates and watch crew members work with the maze of ropes\, sails and rigging overhead. Those who want to get involved can help haul lines alongside the crew. \nThere’s also a larger story behind what they’re doing. Ships like Kalmar Nyckel crossed an Atlantic without engines\, GPS\, weather radar or instant communication with shore. Wind\, navigation and the ability of a crew to work together determined whether a voyage succeeded. \nThe modern Kalmar Nyckel Foundation uses the ship as a floating classroom and educational platform\, reaching tens of thousands of people through sails\, school programs and other activities each year. (Do More 24 Delaware) \nSailing from New London City Pier\nAll five trips depart from New London Waterfront Park and the City Pier area in downtown New London. \nCity Pier sits directly on the downtown waterfront near Union Station\, making the departure point unusually convenient for a tall ship sail. Restaurants and downtown New London are within walking distance\, so the trip can easily become part of a longer afternoon or evening in the city. \nPassengers should leave enough time to park and reach the pier before boarding rather than arriving at the scheduled departure time. \nTickets\nAdult admission is $75\, while tickets for youth ages 12 and younger are $40. \nAdvance reservations are recommended\, particularly because each sailing has limited capacity. Some of the ship’s other August 2026 public sails have already sold out. \nEvent Details\nDates: Friday\, August 14–Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nFriday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday Sailing: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nDuration: Approximately 2½ hours \nShip: Kalmar Nyckel\, the Tall Ship of Delaware \nLocation: New London City Pier \nCity: New London\, CT \nAdult Admission: $75 \nYouth Admission: $40 for ages 12 and younger \nExperience: Public sailing excursion on Long Island Sound with opportunities to help raise sails and haul lines. \nReservations: Advance reservations are recommended. \nQuestions: (302) 429-7447 \nMore Information\nFor more information\, visit the event website using the Event Website link below. \nFor ticket purchases\, click on the Ticketing link below. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/sail-with-the-tall-ship-kalmar-nyckel-in-new-london/2026-08-14/2/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sail-with-the-Tall-Ship-Kalmar-Nyckel-in-New-London-Friday-Sun-August-14-16.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260814T123000
DTSTAMP:20260813T142204Z
CREATED:20260813T142204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T142204Z
UID:10007174-1786701600-1786710600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London
DESCRIPTION:Sail with the Tall Ship Kalmar Nyckel in New London August 14–16 when the Tall Ship of Delaware arrives at New London City Pier for five public sailing trips on Long Island Sound. Rather than simply touring the ship at the dock\, passengers spend 2½ hours underway aboard a full-scale recreation of the 17th-century vessel that carried the first Swedish settlers to the Delaware Valley. \nThis is also a hands-on tall ship experience. Guests can help the crew raise sails and haul lines\, listen to stories about the ship and maritime life\, or find a place on deck and simply enjoy the trip. The exact sailing experience changes with the wind and conditions\, which is rather the point when you’re aboard a ship powered by canvas instead of following a sightseeing route on a motor vessel. \nFive sails are scheduled across three days\, including morning and afternoon trips Friday\, morning and late-afternoon trips Saturday\, and a final Sunday morning sail. Current booking information shows fares ranging from $40 for youth ages 12 and younger to $75 for adults\, with advance reservations recommended. (Kalmar Nyckel Booking) \nThe Ship That Helped Found New Sweden\nThe original Kalmar Nyckel played a remarkable role in early American history. \nIn 1637\, the ship left Europe as the flagship of an expedition led by Peter Minuit to establish a Swedish colony in North America. After crossing the Atlantic\, the expedition entered the Delaware River in March 1638 and established Fort Christina\, in what is now Wilmington\, Delaware. \nThat settlement became the beginning of New Sweden and the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. (Sea History Association) \nKalmar Nyckel wasn’t finished after that first crossing. The ship ultimately completed four round-trip Atlantic voyages between Sweden and North America\, more documented crossings than any other colonial ship of the period. \nThe original vessel later returned to naval and merchant service before being sunk during a battle with English forces in 1652. \nSailing Aboard a 17th-Century Ship\nThe Kalmar Nyckel visiting New London isn’t the original ship\, but neither is it a conventional modern tour boat dressed to look old. \nThe full-scale recreation was built by the nonprofit Kalmar Nyckel Foundation in Wilmington\, Delaware\, just downstream from the site where the original ship landed in 1638. It was launched in 1997 and commissioned the following year. \nThe ship is operated with the help of a large volunteer crew trained in traditional seamanship. That working-ship approach carries over to the public sails. \nPassengers who want to participate can lend a hand as the crew handles lines and raises sail. You don’t have to\, though. Helping sail the ship is optional\, and watching the crew work from the deck is part of the experience in itself. \nFor children who’ve only seen this kind of ship in a movie or museum\, seeing the rigging put to work can make 17th-century maritime history considerably more tangible. \nFive Chances to Sail from New London\nThe New London visit includes five separate public sails. \nFriday\, August 14\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday\, August 15\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.\n5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday\, August 16\n10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nEach trip lasts approximately 2½ hours and departs from New London City Pier. The Saturday evening departure offers a particularly different experience\, leaving at 5 p.m. for an early-evening sail on Long Island Sound. \nThe ship’s current booking schedule lists all five New London departures. \nA Hands-On History Lesson for Kids\nFamilies don’t need any sailing experience to participate. \nKids can see how a large wooden sailing vessel actually operates and watch crew members work with the maze of ropes\, sails and rigging overhead. Those who want to get involved can help haul lines alongside the crew. \nThere’s also a larger story behind what they’re doing. Ships like Kalmar Nyckel crossed an Atlantic without engines\, GPS\, weather radar or instant communication with shore. Wind\, navigation and the ability of a crew to work together determined whether a voyage succeeded. \nThe modern Kalmar Nyckel Foundation uses the ship as a floating classroom and educational platform\, reaching tens of thousands of people through sails\, school programs and other activities each year. (Do More 24 Delaware) \nSailing from New London City Pier\nAll five trips depart from New London Waterfront Park and the City Pier area in downtown New London. \nCity Pier sits directly on the downtown waterfront near Union Station\, making the departure point unusually convenient for a tall ship sail. Restaurants and downtown New London are within walking distance\, so the trip can easily become part of a longer afternoon or evening in the city. \nPassengers should leave enough time to park and reach the pier before boarding rather than arriving at the scheduled departure time. \nTickets\nAdult admission is $75\, while tickets for youth ages 12 and younger are $40. \nAdvance reservations are recommended\, particularly because each sailing has limited capacity. Some of the ship’s other August 2026 public sails have already sold out. \nEvent Details\nDates: Friday\, August 14–Sunday\, August 16\, 2026 \nFriday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00–5:30 p.m. \nSaturday Sailings: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:00–7:30 p.m. \nSunday Sailing: 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. \nDuration: Approximately 2½ hours \nShip: Kalmar Nyckel\, the Tall Ship of Delaware \nLocation: New London City Pier \nCity: New London\, CT \nAdult Admission: $75 \nYouth Admission: $40 for ages 12 and younger \nExperience: Public sailing excursion on Long Island Sound with opportunities to help raise sails and haul lines. \nReservations: Advance reservations are recommended. \nQuestions: (302) 429-7447 \nMore Information\nFor more information\, visit the event website using the Event Website link below. \nFor ticket purchases\, click on the Ticketing link below. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/sail-with-the-tall-ship-kalmar-nyckel-in-new-london/2026-08-14/1/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Sail-with-the-Tall-Ship-Kalmar-Nyckel-in-New-London-Friday-Sun-August-14-16.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260629T203000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260629T220000
DTSTAMP:20260626T234156Z
CREATED:20260625T184834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T234156Z
UID:10006296-1782765000-1782770400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Full Moon Cruise on the Thames River
DESCRIPTION:NOTE: Purchase tickets by going to the Thames River Heritage Park tour page. Look for the Full Moon tours and book your tickets. \nCelebrate the beauty of the June full moon with a relaxing evening aboard the Full Moon Cruise on the Thames. Hosted by Thames River Heritage Park\, this special “Strawberry Moon” cruise offers passengers the chance to experience sunset and moonrise from the calm waters of the Thames River while taking in panoramic views of southeastern Connecticut’s historic waterfront. \nAs daylight fades and the full moon rises above the river\, guests will enjoy a peaceful cruise past historic landmarks and scenic shorelines\, creating an unforgettable setting for photography\, romance\, or simply unwinding on the water. The June Strawberry Moon\, traditionally named for the season’s ripening berries\, provides a fitting backdrop for an evening celebrating the beauty of early summer. \nWhether you’re planning a unique date night\, looking for an evening with friends\, or hoping to capture stunning waterfront photographs\, the Full Moon Cruise on the Thames offers a memorable way to experience one of nature’s most beautiful monthly events. \nCruise Details\nDates: \n\nSunday\, June 28\nMonday\, June 29\n\nDeparture Time: \n\n8:30 PM\n\nLocation:\nCity Pier\nNew London\, CT \nPerfect For\n\nDate Night\nPhotography\nMoonrise Viewing\nScenic River Cruise\nSummer Evening on the Water
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/full-moon-cruise-on-the-thames-river/2026-06-29/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Full-Moon-Cruise-on-the-Thames-Sunday-Monday-June-28-and-29-830-pm-at-the-New-London-City-Pier.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T203000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260628T220000
DTSTAMP:20260626T234156Z
CREATED:20260625T184834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T234156Z
UID:10006295-1782678600-1782684000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Full Moon Cruise on the Thames River
DESCRIPTION:NOTE: Purchase tickets by going to the Thames River Heritage Park tour page. Look for the Full Moon tours and book your tickets. \nCelebrate the beauty of the June full moon with a relaxing evening aboard the Full Moon Cruise on the Thames. Hosted by Thames River Heritage Park\, this special “Strawberry Moon” cruise offers passengers the chance to experience sunset and moonrise from the calm waters of the Thames River while taking in panoramic views of southeastern Connecticut’s historic waterfront. \nAs daylight fades and the full moon rises above the river\, guests will enjoy a peaceful cruise past historic landmarks and scenic shorelines\, creating an unforgettable setting for photography\, romance\, or simply unwinding on the water. The June Strawberry Moon\, traditionally named for the season’s ripening berries\, provides a fitting backdrop for an evening celebrating the beauty of early summer. \nWhether you’re planning a unique date night\, looking for an evening with friends\, or hoping to capture stunning waterfront photographs\, the Full Moon Cruise on the Thames offers a memorable way to experience one of nature’s most beautiful monthly events. \nCruise Details\nDates: \n\nSunday\, June 28\nMonday\, June 29\n\nDeparture Time: \n\n8:30 PM\n\nLocation:\nCity Pier\nNew London\, CT \nPerfect For\n\nDate Night\nPhotography\nMoonrise Viewing\nScenic River Cruise\nSummer Evening on the Water
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/full-moon-cruise-on-the-thames-river/2026-06-28/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Full-Moon-Cruise-on-the-Thames-Sunday-Monday-June-28-and-29-830-pm-at-the-New-London-City-Pier.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260531T203000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260531T220000
DTSTAMP:20260528T150814Z
CREATED:20260526T223532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T150814Z
UID:10002593-1780259400-1780264800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Thames River Heritage Park Blue Moon Cruise
DESCRIPTION:Thames River Heritage Park Blue Moon Cruise sets sail from City Pier in New London on Sunday\, May 31\, offering passengers a rare chance to experience a full Blue Moon rising over the Thames River aboard a historic vessel. The nighttime cruise marks the unofficial start of the summer boating season along the southeastern Connecticut shoreline\, pairing waterfront views\, cool evening breezes\, and moonlit scenery with one of the sky’s more unusual lunar events. As the moon rises above the river and casts silver reflections across the water\, the cruise promises one of the weekend’s more atmospheric experiences on the shoreline. \nDeparting at 8:45 p.m.\, the evening excursion gives guests an opportunity to see New London’s waterfront from the water while taking in panoramic nighttime views of the harbor\, lighthouse\, and surrounding coastline. Organizers describe the cruise as a relaxing and visually striking experience designed around the calm pace of an evening on the river\, making it especially appealing for couples\, photographers\, boating enthusiasts\, and anyone looking for a quieter way to spend part of the holiday weekend. \nThe event is hosted by Thames River Heritage Park\, an organization known for highlighting the maritime history\, culture\, and waterfront character of the Thames River region through seasonal cruises and heritage programming. With the combination of a historic vessel\, a rare Blue Moon\, and late-spring shoreline weather\, the cruise offers a distinctly New England atmosphere that blends local history with the natural beauty of the Connecticut coast. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/thames-river-heritage-park-blue-moon-cruise/
LOCATION:New London City Pier\, 1 Waterfront Park\, New London\, CT\, 06320\, United States
CATEGORIES:New London City Pier
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Thames-River-Heritage-Park-Blue-Moon-Cruise-on-May-31.jpeg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR