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DRBC Engages Legislative Partners Aboard the A.J. Meerwald
Group photo aboard the A.J. Meerwald. Photo by the DRBC.
Group photo aboard the A.J. Meerwald. 
Photo by the DRBC.

New Jersey's official Tall Ship, the A.J. Meerwald, was recently the vessel for a fun, experiential learning event hosted by DRBC's Our Shared Waters (OSW) Program.

Local legislators and OSW partners were invited aboard the Meerwald for a sail on the Delaware River - the 2025 Pennsylvania River of the Year - out of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, Pa. Folks were able to meet the crew, hoist one of the sails and learn a bit about the Meerwald's rich history.

Folks also learned from DRBC staff about its flow management and water quality programs.

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, and while we do need the rain, no one wanted it during the sail! The drips did not dampen folks' spirits, however, and the sail was an experience not to be forgotten anytime soon. We thank the captain and crew of the A.J. Meerwald and everyone in attendance for a great afternoon on the river!

  • Learn more about the A.J. Meerwald: https://www.bayshorecenter.org/our-ship/ 

  • Learn more about the Bayshore Center at Bivalve: https://www.bayshorecenter.org 

  • Learn more about Our Shared Waters: https://www.nj.gov/drbc/public/outreach/oursharedwaters.html 

Folks checked in at the DRBC tent for the sail. Photo by the DRBC. Sail participants chatted with one another as we set off from the Penn's Landing Marina. Photo by the DRBC. Fern Hoffman, A.J. Meerwald Captain, welcomes folks to the historic oyster schooner. Photo by the DRBC. Sail participants listened to the presentations as we sailed the Delaware River. Photo by the DRBC.
Folks checked in at the DRBC
tent for the sail. Photo by the
DRBC.		 Sail participants chatted with
one another as we set off from
the Penn's Landing Marina.
Photo by the DRBC.		 Fern Hoffman, A.J. Meerwald
Captain, welcomes folks to the
historic oyster schooner.
Photo by the DRBC.		 Participants listened to the
presentations as we sailed the
Delaware River. Photo by the
DRBC.
Participants were able to hoist one of the ship's sails. Photo by the DRBC. DRBC's Exec. Dir. Kristen Bowman Kavanagh (left) listens to a crew member share about the Meerwald's 100-year history. Photo by the DRBC. Sail participants chatted with one another as we headed back to the Penn's Landing Marina. Photo by the DRBC.
Participants were able to hoist
one of the ship's sails.
Photo by the DRBC.		 Participants were able to hoist
one of the ship's sails.
Photo by the DRBC.		 DRBC's Exec. Dir. Kristen
Bowman Kavanagh (left) listens
to a crew member share about
the Meerwald's 100-year history. Photo by the DRBC.		 Sail participants chatted with
one another as we headed back
to the Penn's Landing Marina.
Photo by the DRBC.

 

As mentioned above, while onboard, participants had an opportunity to raise one of the ship's sails. The most important thing to remember is the need for teamwork!