Step aboard the Rickmer Rickmers, a majestic three-masted steel barque that graces the port of Hamburg at the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken. This historic vessel, now a museum ship, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and the life of seafarers from a bygone era.
The Rickmer Rickmers was launched in August 1896 from the shipyard of the Bremerhaven-based shipping company Rickmer Clasen Rickmers. Named after the grandson of the shipowner, Rickmer Rickmers, the vessel embarked on its maiden voyage to Hong Kong, where it loaded rice and bamboo to bring back to Germany. Initially commanded by Captain Hermann Hinrich Ahlers, the ship and its 21-member crew completed twelve round trips, often navigating routes to the United States and the Far East.
In 1904, the ship encountered a fierce hurricane in the Indian Ocean, losing its mizzen mast but managing to reach the safety of Cape Town harbor. Due to the high cost of repairs, the ship was re-rigged as a barque. In 1912, the Hamburg shipping company Carl Christian Krabbenhöft acquired the vessel and renamed it Max. For the next two years, it transported coal from Wales to Chile and nitrate from Chile to Europe. With the onset of World War I in 1914, the ship anchored in the neutral Azores at Horta.
On February 23, 1916, Portuguese forces seized the ship, renaming it Flores and using it to transport war materials for Great Britain. Following a refit, the ship served as Sagres, the Portuguese Navy's second sail training ship, starting in 1924. In 1930, it was equipped with two auxiliary diesel engines. The vessel won the Tall Ships' Races in 1958. Its tenure as a training ship ended in 1962, after which it was laid up as a depot ship named Santo André in the naval harbor of Alfeite near Lisbon.
In 1974, Fiete Schmidt, chairman of the Hamburg Harbor Association, founded the Windjammer for Hamburg association, aiming to preserve Hamburg's rich maritime heritage. In 1978, the association discovered the dilapidated Rickmer Rickmers and exchanged it for the yacht Anne Linde (now Polar) in 1983. After several years of restoration, partially funded by job creation schemes for unemployed youth by the Hamburg Employment Office, the ship was restored to its original name and converted into a museum ship at the Hamburg Landungsbrücken.
The Rickmer Rickmers stands tall with a maximum mast height of 54 meters. Visitors have the unique opportunity to climb up to 30 meters for a breathtaking view of the harbor. After an initial overhaul and modernization in 2016 at Blohm & Voss, the ship underwent another inspection in the summer of 2024 at the Norderwerft, where nearly 30 spots of pitting corrosion were found in the metal of the underwater hull. Since August 12, 2024, the ship has been back at its usual berth at the Landungsbrücken in Hamburg.
As you step onto the deck of the Rickmer Rickmers, you are instantly transported back in time. The ship's meticulously restored interiors showcase the living conditions and daily routines of sailors from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, including historical photographs, nautical instruments, and personal artifacts of the crew.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Captain's Cabin, where you can see the quarters of the ship's commanding officer, complete with period furnishings and navigational tools. The Engine Room provides a fascinating look at the ship's machinery, including the diesel engines installed during its time as Sagres. The Galley offers insight into the food preparation and dining habits of the crew, while the Crew's Quarters give a glimpse into the cramped and challenging living conditions of the sailors.
The Rickmer Rickmers is not just a static museum; it hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. From maritime festivals and educational programs to special exhibitions and guided tours, there is always something happening on board. The ship also serves as a unique venue for private events, such as weddings and corporate functions, offering a memorable setting with stunning views of the Hamburg harbor.
The Rickmer Rickmers Foundation, which operates the museum ship, annually awards the title of Honorary Captain to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to maritime heritage. To date, 19 recipients have been honored with this prestigious title.
In 2005, the Federal Republic of Germany recognized the historical significance of the Rickmer Rickmers by featuring the ship on a postage stamp in the For Youth – Tall Ships series. This honor underscores the ship's importance as a symbol of Germany's rich maritime history.
In conclusion, a visit to the Rickmer Rickmers is a must for anyone interested in maritime history, nautical engineering, or simply looking for a unique and educational experience in Hamburg. The ship's storied past, combined with its beautifully restored interiors and engaging exhibits, make it a captivating attraction that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, a nautical enthusiast, or a curious traveler, the Rickmer Rickmers promises an unforgettable journey through time and tide.
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