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Tall Ship: A.J. Meerwald Visits Perth Amboy

6/15-619, 2016 *Photos by Paul W. Wang & Angel Robledo

The Tall Ship A.J.Meerwald docked in Perth Amboy Marina

The Tall Ship A.J.Meerwald docked in Perth Amboy Marina

By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – The Amboy Guardian had the privilege of a tour of the Tall Ship A.J. Meerwald given by the First Mate Sean Connelly.

Information about the A.J. Meerwald

Information about the A.J. Meerwald

“The ship is 115 ft. long and the mast is 68 ft. high. There is anywhere from 10-11 crew members at a time. The ship is the official Tall Ship of New Jersey. It was built in 1928. Back then, in order to go oystering, the ship had to have sails (it was the law) so the ship has sails. It was  originally built with an engine as well. During World War II it was a fireboat. After World War II no sails were needed (the law changed) to go oystering. The ship has docked in Camden, Cape May, Atlantic City and Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore (one of many ports). In Chesapeake Bay, the ship participates in a schooner race. One year we received third place.” First Mate Connelly stated. “The boat was rebuilt in the ‘90s. From 1988 to 1994 money was raised to rebuild the ship. From 1994 to 1996 the actual rebuilding took place.”

He continued, “Our home port is Bivalve, New Jersey. The ship goes out in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter it’s in port. We have volunteers that man our museum in Bivalve.”

Connelly stated that the Captain Jesse Briggs has been a ship captain for at least 10 to 15 years.

The Amboy Guardian met some of the crew as they prepared for the tours. The ship was in dock from Wednesday, June 15, 2016 to Sunday, June 19, 2016.

The Tall Ship A.J.Meerwald sails out of the Perth Amboy Marina

The Tall Ship A.J.Meerwald sails out of the Perth Amboy Marina

Some of the Crew of the A.J. Meerwald (L to R) Robyn Lenner, Husdon Smith, First Mate Sean Connelly and Melissa Collins

Some of the Crew of the A.J. Meerwald (L to R) Robyn Lenner, Husdon Smith, First Mate Sean Connelly and Melissa Collins

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