ATLANTIC CITY--New Jersey's official tall ship, the A.J. Meerwald sailed into Atlantic City Thursday.

The fully restored, 82-year-old Delaware Bay oyster schooner embarked on a 5-hour voyage from Beach Haven and was welcomed by fire and police officials just before docking at Gardner's Basin.

Those onboard say the vessel is a great educational tool, "Learning something about our maritime heritage in New Jersey that most people don't realize what a very strong heritage we have," said Capt. Jesse Briggs.

The A.J. Meerwald was built in 1928 to meet the demands of a once booming oyster industry. The ship now serves as a classroom for the Bayshore Discovery Project.