Trips & Special Events

Sail the Hudson Aboard the AJ Meerwald!

Sail Dates:

• Friday, July 12th, 4:30pm, Children’s Sail
• Saturday, July 13th, 9:30am, Children’s Sail
• Saturday, July 13, 12:30pm,  Brewery on the Boat
• Sunday, July 14, 9:30am, Children’s Sail,
• Sunday, July 14, 12:30pm, Music & History of the Hudson

Join ANJEC and program partners The Tenafly Nature Center aboard the historic schooner AJ Meerwald, New Jersey’s official Tall Ship! Engage in hands-on learning about the ecological and cultural significance of The Hudson River. Guests will help raise the sail, explore native wildlife, learn about the history and significance of ships like The Meerwald, and rotate through interactive learning stations!

The Schooner AJ Meerwald is a restored oyster dredging schooner, whose home port is in Bivalve, New Jersey. Launched in 1928, AJ Meerwald was one of hundreds of schooners built along South Jersey’s Bayshore before the decline of the shipbuilding industry which coincided with the Great Depression.

Today, the AJ Meerwald is used by the Bayshore Center at Bivalve as a traveling classroom and vehicle to enjoy area’s waterways. The AJ Meerwald was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1995.

This program is intended for families with children ages 9 and up. Program will be held entirely outdoors, so please dress in layers!

Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  Click here to register now!

Pricing Information: 

• Children’s Sails:  $140 Adult /Child Pair, $85 Additional Adult, $55 Additional Child
  • Engage in hands-on learning about the ecological and cultural significance of The Hudson River. Guests will help raise the sail, explore native wildlife, learn about the history and significance of ships like The Meerwald, and rotate through interactive learning stations!
• Brewery on the Boat: $120 Per Person
  • Enjoy a tasting of craft beers from local craft brewery, Gentle Giant, while focusing on the enjoyment of the river and the company of those on board. Gentle Giant Brewing is dedicated to bold styled beers that showcase intense flavor profiles and the highest quality ingredients.
• Music & History Sail: $120 Per Person
  •  Enjoy Palisades Interstate Park Historian, Eric Nelsen, and Musical Artist, (TBA), as they introduce guests to the history of the area through music and stories.

– Departure Information –

• Meet at the Alpine Boat Basin (this is where the sail departs from).
• Each trip is limited to 50 people. Fees must be pre-paid. 
• Check-in with staff at the dock gate is required 15 minutes prior to departure. 
• All trips depart and return to the Alpine Boat Basin, Exit 2 off the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Weekend sails do not include $5 parking fee.
• Restrooms available dockside only, on board “heads” available in case of an emergency. 
• Due to the number of registrations received for our programs, we are unable to provide refunds due to changes in individual schedules, illness, or other personal reasons.
• Payment is per person. All ages of individuals count toward the 50 people aboard the ship due to Coast Guard regulations.

• What if it’s raining, will the Meerwald Sail?   
  • In most cases yes. If it is simply rain the boat will sail. We suggest you bring rain gear as there is no shelter from the elements on board. The ship will sail in rain, drizzle and cold. However, if it is thundering and lightening or if there are high winds the ship will not sail.
• Who decides if the weather is too bad to sail? 
  • The decision to sail or not is in the sole and absolute discretion of the Captain of The AJ Meerwald.
• If my sail has been canceled how and when will I be notified? 
  • If a sail is canceled, you will be called. Please ensure the phone number you provided at the time you purchased your tickets is accurate. As much notice as possible will be given of a sail cancellation however weather conditions can change drastically in just a few minutes which is the nature of the maritime industry. In most cases the Captain will make the decision to cancel a sail an hour before the sail is schedule to depart. Again, in most cases the boat sails rain or shine , so if you have not been contacted regarding cancellation you can assume your sail will run as scheduled.
• What should I bring with me on my sail? 
  • It is always cooler on the water than the land so we suggest you dress in layers. Feel free to bring sun screen, bug repellent and beverages. The boat is “carry on carry off” meaning whatever you bring aboard the ship should be brought off with you. 
• Is the ship handicap accessible? 
  • Yes and No. The ship is over 90 years old and boarding the boat requires ascending 2-4 steps, but once on board handicapped passengers may be seated on a deck box. Restrooms are not handicap accessible. Crew can make accommodations to lift wheelchairs on board.
    Please let us know as soon as possible ahead of the desired sail to discuss possible arrangements 
• If I have questions regarding my sail to whom should I address them?
  • If you have specific questions regarding your sail you should email our offices at info@anjec.org  during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)