Celebrate America’s Proud Maritime History! And Sail on the AJ Meerwald

WHAT: 2025 Lewes Maritime Day & Overfalls Opening Day

WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Canalfront Park, 219 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE (Get Directions)
(NOTE: This event is now held at Canalfront Park, not at the Lewes Ferry Terminal.)

Experience and celebrate maritime history and its impact on the region at the annual Lewes Maritime Day celebration at the Lightship Overfalls and Canalfront Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Lewes, known as the First Town in the First State, enjoys a heritage that is rich in both its maritime history and its current maritime interests.

Sail aboard AJ Meerwald from the Lewes waterfront and/or on a History Happened Here Cruise. Journey back through the centuries with Cape Water Taxi into Lewes’ maritime past. See TICKETED EVENTS below for more information.

Co-organized by the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and the Overfalls Foundation, supported by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Lewes.

Open to the Public – Maritime Day is Free of Charge

Sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, the Lewes Historical Society, Lightship Overfalls, Beach Flooring Designs, Groome Church, and Henlopen Bait & Tackle.

This celebration includes maritime exhibits and demonstrations, boat rides and vessel tours, and other activities. It is free for children and the young at heart.

Schedule of Events:

8:45 a.m. –  HISTORY HAPPENED HERE CRUISE: Journey back in time into Lewes’ maritime past through the centuries on the Cape Water Taxi. Visit Cape Water Taxi for more information and to book tickets.  Be captivated by an experienced and knowledgeable Lewes Historical Society guide aboard a Cape Water Tours’ vessel for a cruise along the Lewes Canal.

10:00 a.m. – Remembrance Ceremony – Remarks by local dignitaries.  Wreath Laying Ceremony to remember local mariners and members of the Overfalls Lightship who have passed.

10:00 am – SAIL ON NEW JERSEY’S OWN TALL SHIP:  Sail aboard AJ Meerwald from the Lewes waterfront. Tickets are $50 and you are invited to bring your own snacks and beverages aboard. Buy tickets here.  The A.J. Meerwald, a 1928 restored dredging oyster schooner.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Exhibitions, Demonstrations, Boat Tours and Boat Rides.

Some of the Exhibitors at Maritime Day:

• Overfalls Lightship
• USCG and auxiliary
• The Lewes Yacht Club
• The Lewes Historical Society (SPONSOR)
• Freedom Boat Club (SPONSOR)
• Sailing Vessel A.J. Meerwald
• Cape Water Taxi
• The Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation
• The Pirates of Lewes
• The Delaware River and Bay Pilots
• The Zwaanendael Museum
• The University of Delaware College of Marine Studies
• The MERR Institute
• The New Hope Canoe Club
• The Cape May Lewes Ferry
• YMCA of Delaware – Sussex Family | Rehoboth Beach
• Lewes Fire Department Vessel
• Sea Scout Ship 198
• Quest Adventures
• and others.

Grandpa Macs will be onsite to provide replenishment.

INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING AT THE ANNUAL LEWES MARITIME DAY?
Interested businesses and organizations should email the Lewes Maritime Day organizers to sign up to exhibit at this event.

www.overfalls.org