140 years of tradition: The Astarte returns to Bremerhaven!

140 years of tradition: The Astarte returns to Bremerhaven!

A remarkable section of German shipping is highlighted again when the HF 244 “Astarte” heads for Bremerhaven's home port. With over 120 years of history, this traditional ship offers fascinating insights into the maritime past of the region. The restoration of the cutter, which was carried out by the Schiffergilde Bremen, ensures that the "Astarte" is not only a memorial, but also as an active sailing ship in the North and Baltic Sea.

The "Astarte" will play a central role during the "maritime days" that take place from August 14th to 18th, 2024. This event is a highlight for maritime lovers and presentations of magnificent ships. According to the Sail Training Association Germany, the “Astarte” is one of the most valuable maritime monuments in Germany, which illustrates their importance for maritime history.

traditional and modernized: The masts of the Astarte

In order to ensure the seaworthiness of the "Astarte", both masts were recently redesigned again and brought on board in April 2024. The Schiffergilde Bremen said that the ship was currently in an excellent condition. Before the current work, extensive renovations were carried out in autumn/winter 2023, including the fundamental renovation of the aft stable and the replacement of several frames in the front shipping part.

Originally, the "Astarte" was built in 1903 and was active for the Finkenwerder Fischer family Külper in fishing until 1952. As early as 1912, the ship received an auxiliary engine that enabled the crew to drive the waters even in weak winds. After her fishing career, the "Astarte" was sold in 1952 and was later used as a research cutter. During this time she was removed before it was restored as a traditional ship.

a meticulous restoration by the Schiffergilde

The Schiffergilde, which was founded in 1978, acquired the greatly changed “Astarte” and set itself the task of regaining the ship using the original plans of the Altona Museum in Hamburg. During the discovery of old models, the restoration became a matter close to the heart. Under the direction of experienced experts and with the old plans as the basis, the "Astarte" could stand back into the sea.

The restoration was completed in 2002 and innovative security devices were installed. To date, a sum of 250,000 euros has already been invested in the preservation and renovation of the ship. For the Schiffergilde, which acts as a non -profit association, donations are indispensable to keep this maritime tradition alive.

Due to its characteristic license plates, especially the original fincher "HF 244", the "Astarte" remains a symbol of the tradition of fishing. In recent years, the ship has mainly accompanied young people in the waters of the German Bay, Weser and Baltic Sea. With a crew of five people and space for nine guests on board, the "Astarte" not only has a training value, but also offers pleasant accommodation for your passengers.

After an extensive Baltic Sea, the ship now returns to the maritime days, where it will attract numerous visitors together with 80 other ships and 60 concerts. The return to home has a special symbolic meaning, and the name "Astartte", named after a goddess of the seafarer, is a suitable tribute to the long maritime tradition that continues in Bremerhaven.

For more information about the restoration and the history of the "Astarte", Read here at www.merkur.de .