Is prior sailing experience required to attend the fundraiser?

No prior sailing experience is needed as this is a social event aboard the ship, not an active sailing trip.

Are refreshments included with admission?

Yes, cocktails and oysters are part of the event experience, offering local flavors.

Can I purchase raffle tickets at the event?

Yes, raffle tickets are sold during the fundraiser to support the Bayshore Center.

Is parking available near Mission Spirits?

Limited parking is available; carpooling or ride-sharing is recommended for convenience.

Are pets allowed aboard the AJ Meerwald during the event?

Pets are not permitted on the ship during the fundraiser for safety reasons.

What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad?

The event will proceed rain or shine; check with Bayshore Center for any last-minute updates.

Spirit of the Sail Fundraiser in Millville, NJ

Join Bayshore Center on June 29th for the Spirit of the Sail Fundraiser at Mission Spirits in Millville, New Jersey. This charming spring event combines the pleasures of tasty oysters, handcrafted cocktails, and stories aboard the historic AJ Meerwald, New Jersey’s official tall ship. Guests will enjoy an engaging atmosphere while supporting local marine conservation and education efforts. The fundraiser includes a live raffle with exciting prizes, including future sailing trips for those wanting to continue exploring Delaware Bay’s scenic waters. The event’s location in Millville, within NJ’s Delaware Bay region, offers a unique cultural and maritime experience reflecting the area’s history. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to maritime adventures, the fundraiser offers a welcoming and social way to connect with nature and community. It's the perfect opportunity to raise a glass, enjoy great company, and contribute to the Bayshore Center’s mission while soaking in a spring evening filled with fun and inspiration.

About Bayshore Center

Bayshore Center at Bivalve, located in Commercial Township, New Jersey, connects visitors with the Delaware Bay’s maritime history, coastal ecosystems, and hands‑on education programs. The center operates a range of public sails, community fundraisers, evening education events, and youth camps that emphasize conservation and experiential learning. Camp programs — branded as Bayshore Discovery Camp — invite students in grades 4–6 to participate in dockside science, nature walks, habitat restoration, wildlife tracking, model‑building, and conservation projects that reinforce stewardship.

Public sails aboard the AJ Meerwald, a 115′ oyster schooner built in 1928, offer two‑hour excursions from ports including Trenton, Cape May, and Philadelphia. Sail passengers may assist the crew or relax while bringing their own food and drinks. The Delaware Bayshore Boat Ride cruises the Maurice River to the Delaware Bay for views of the East Point Lighthouse, with proceeds benefitting the Bayshore Center at Bivalve.

Community events include the Spirit of the Sail fundraiser at Mission Spirits and Suds and Science evenings at AJ’s Pub, where education partners present regional conservation work. These programs blend storytelling, maritime tradition, and environmental research to engage local residents and visitors. The center’s mixed offering of educational camps, historic-vessel sails, and community fundraisers supports public awareness of the Bayshore’s natural and cultural resources while providing accessible outdoor experiences for families and learners.

Programming often emphasizes hands-on science, citizen science participation, and partnerships with local researchers, creating measurable conservation outcomes and fostering lifelong interest in maritime ecology among young learners and adult volunteers and educators.