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CBS3 Climbs Aboard The Kalmar Nyckel For SummerFest

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Nearly a dozen tall ships are here as part of the 2018 Sail Philadelphia Waterfront Festival.

CBS3 got the chance to climb aboard Delaware's tall ship – the Kalmar Nyckel – to see what it's like to set sail.

There's nothing easy about sailing a tall ship, as it takes work, specifically teamwork to maintain the vessel. The Kalmar Nyckel is a replica of the colonial ship that arrived in Delaware from Sweden in 1638.

PHOTOS: CBS3 SummerFest 2018

Lauren Morgens has been captain of this ship since 2006.

"A lot of work goes into keeping her that way," said Morgens.

The vast amount of work is done by volunteers.

"We usually average over 40,000 volunteer hours a year to operate this ship. I've always loved sailing so this was the perfect thing to do in my retirement," said Bill Hutchison, who has been part of the team since 2003.

"I actually have my face on the starboard side of the ship from having gotten 10,000 volunteer hours," he said.

The entire crew does a lot more than care for the ship.

"We do a lot of education programming so we get to share the ship with young and old, but a lot of school kids in particular, which is fantastic, and do public events like this festival where we get to share her with lots of folks in one weekend," said Morgens.

Morgens even offered to teach our own Ukee Washington a little something about sailing a tall ship.

"We want you to try out the whip staff, the steering gear for sure," said Morgens.

Complete CBS3 SummerFest Coverage

After a little instruction, Washington was taking command.

"Relieve the helm!" the CBS3 anchor exclaimed.

The ships are part of a waterfront festival that will feature on-deck tours and sailing excursions throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

For more information on Sail Philadelphia 2018, click here.

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