Tonight it was wonderful to see the German sail training ship ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II back in Öresund. The 65 m (LOA) x 10 m ship is on her way from Grenaa (DK9 to Travemunde.
"ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II has been sailing the high seas since 2011. Like its predecessor ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT, ALEX-2 is a civilian squarerigger offering tall ship voyages for everyone, regardless of previous experience. All you need is an open mind and a spirit of adventure! ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II has been built with a traditional barque rigg. That means the fore and main mast carry square sails while the sternmost, the mizzen mast, carries gaff sails. In total, ALEX-2 is driven by 24 sails with a sail area of 1.360 m2. In favourable wind conditions, she runs up to 14 knots. And if the wind does not blow at all, a 750 horsepower engine helps to reach the next port in time. While the rigging resembles that of a windjammer built 150 years ago, the safety and rescue equipment of ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II is absolutely up to date. Radar, radio and satellite communication, electronic charts, life rafts, two high speed dinghys and many things more make her a modern ship and easy to navigate. ALEX-2 is owned and operated by Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training (German Sail Training Foundation / DSST), based in the barque’s homeport Bremerhaven. DSST is a non-profit, charitable organization. Its aims are to provide traditional high seas sailing for people of all ages, but especially for young men and women aged 15-25."(Sailtraininginternational.org)
