SPONSOR:

Rep. Bolden on behalf of all Representatives & Sen. Brown on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 70

DESIGNATING APRIL 26, 2022, AS “KALMAR NYCKEL, TALL SHIP DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, the original ship Kalmar Nyckel sailed from Sweden and landed at the Rocks, now Fort Christina Historic Park, in 1638 carrying Peter Minuit and his original crew, the first permanent European settlers in the Delaware Valley, to found the trading post of New Sweden, now Wilmington, Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the Kalmar Nyckel made four documented round-trip crossings of the Atlantic Ocean, more than any other ship of the era; and

WHEREAS, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation undertook to build a faithful recreation of the original ship at the Foundation’s shipyard on the Seventh Street Peninsula adjacent to the Rocks, with the ship being launched in 1997; and

WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation to preserve and promote the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware for the education and enrichment of all; and

WHEREAS, the Kalmar Nyckel through its education programs reaches all people of all ages perpetuating the history of the Kalmar Nyckel, the seamanship skills necessary to sail the vessel, and the enterprise that characterized the first voyagers; and

WHEREAS, their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden were on board the Kalmar Nyckel on May 11, 2013, landing at the Rocks, Fort Christina Park, to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the original landing; and

WHEREAS, the Kalmar Nyckel serves as Delaware’s sea-going Ambassador both at home and at many ports of call, raising awareness of the First State for thousands who see her and come on board; and

WHEREAS, the Kalmar Nyckel is featured in numerous publications and promotions further strengthening awareness of Delaware for thousands of potential visitors to our state;

WHEREAS, the Kalmar Nyckel, Tall Ship of Delaware celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that April 26th, 2022 shall be designated as “Kalmar Nyckel, Tall Ship Day” in Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution designates April 26th, 2022 as “Kalmar Nyckel, Tall Ship Day” in Delaware.