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Sailing ship Elegant in Ribnitz: Captain is expecting crew baby!
The two-master “Elegant” is wintering in Ribnitz-Damgarten after a successful season as a charter ship with important events.
Sailing ship Elegant in Ribnitz: Captain is expecting crew baby!
The “Elegant”, an impressive two-master that has gained a wealth of experience on the waters of the North and Baltic Seas this season, is currently moored in the port of Ribnitz-Damgarten. After 136 seasons, the 44 meter long sailing ship was almost fully booked and had a crew of three, consisting of captain Maik Boldt, sailor Pascal and sailor Laura. They had the opportunity to experience storms off Denmark and Hiddensee and hosted numerous youth groups, school classes and families during the season. The concept of participatory full catering ensured culinary delights and conviviality on board, where passengers implemented their wishes together.
This season the “Elegant” had the honor of taking part in the Hansesail in Rostock and also made her debut at the Sail GP in Sassnitz on Rügen. Captain Boldt, a master of ceremonies, married a couple on board the “Elegant” at a special moment. Another highlight awaiting the crew is the birth of Pascal and Laura's first baby, due next March.
The evolutionary journey of the Elegant
Originally launched in the Netherlands in 1889 as the vegetable freighter “Elisabeth”, the ship began her career transporting sugar beet and beetroot. She was later renamed “Geertrude” before being decommissioned in 1994. A sailing enthusiast brought the “Elegant” back to life by converting the ship and using it as a charter vessel. Today it offers space for up to 30 people, including three four-bed cabins and nine double cabins, as well as a spacious kitchen and an inviting saloon.
The cost of a rental week is 8,135 euros. With 30 participants, that's a very affordable 271 euros per head - a good deal for an unforgettable sailing experience.
A look at the shipping industry
While the “Elegant” is regularly on the water, the shipping industry in general is struggling with major challenges. Maritime shipping, which has existed for around 6,000 years, now accounts for around 90% of global trade. In the EU, a third of all ship movements originate or destination in an EU port. The North and Baltic Seas are very busy: over 30,000 ships travel the Kiel Canal every year and around 2,000 ships travel the Baltic Sea every day. But this intensive shipping traffic also has serious impacts on ecosystems, such as in the Wadden Sea.
A growing problem is CO2 emissions caused by shipping, which account for 2.6% of global emissions. Without timely measures, this value could increase by up to 250% by 2050. International regulations, such as the MARPOL Convention, attempt to combat marine pollution from ships and initiate environmental protection measures.
The challenges in the industry show that environmental protection and maritime entrepreneurship often have to go hand in hand. But amid all these difficulties, the “Elegant” remains a shining example of how traditional shipping art can be combined with an awareness of sustainability.
For more information about the “Elegant” and her trips, you can visit the Ostsee Zeitung. For further information on the shipping industry and its environmental impact, it is worth taking a look at the Umweltbundesamt. Additionally, the debate over the climate impact of large corporations includes current litigation, including ExxonMobil and the State of California, which you can follow in more detail at AP News.