In the early 1980s, Detlef Soitzek launched the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’ project – without knowing whether his venture would ever succeed. That bold idea gave rise to a training sailing ship which, to this day, prepares young people for life and preserves traditional seamanship. In an interview with YACHT, the 75-year-old talks about financial setbacks, the power of volunteering, changing generations and the art of passing on a life’s work to new hands.
YACHT: Mr Soitzek, when you look at the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’ today, what do you see: a ship, a school, a life’s work?
Detlef Soitzek: All in all. It’s not just a ship, but, looking back, it’s also my life’s work. I’m actually quite proud that it has developed and been preserved in this way – and that it has also been able to grow.
Looking back, how crazy was that plan?
Those were the sort of ideas you have when you’re 26. You don’t spend ages weighing up the risks; you just roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Back then, we invested everything we had. We took out loans and borrowed money from friends. For four years, we worked without pay to build this project up. That was certainly a huge risk. We didn’t know if we’d ever make even a single Deutschmark from it. It was completely uncertain.
But we took that risk. Today, I’d think twice – probably turn it down – and come to the conclusion: ‘No. Stay away from it; it won’t work out.’ But back then, you’ve got plenty of energy and haven’t yet gained all the experience you’ll pick up later in life. That’s a good thing, too, because otherwise you wouldn’t even attempt something like that in the first place.
What sort of feedback did they receive back then on this idea?
They were very cautious, particularly in the early stages. We practically rebuilt an old hull from scratch. It all started back then, mainly at HDW (Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel, Ed.). In 1979/80, we moored there for the first time. We were told: “They may be a couple of madmen, but they’ve got drive and they know what they’re doing.”
It wasn’t as if we were completely clueless and had absolutely no idea what lay ahead. We had the necessary expertise and knew pretty much exactly what we wanted.
"That met with more recognition and support than we could ever have imagined at the time."
What was the original idea behind the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’ project?
To explain this, I need to start by telling you a bit about my life story. Even at the age of nine, I had the idea of going to sea. That’s exactly what I went on to do. I joined a ship at the age of 15. I subsequently obtained my master’s certificate and sailed the seas as a ship’s officer and captain.
At some point, I was ready for a change and was given the opportunity to take part as a navigator on the TIGRIS expedition led by the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. As it later turned out, I was the only German ever to have taken part in one of his expeditions. That changed my life quite a bit. This experience is also reflected in the ship’s name.
When we came back, I didn’t want to return to seafaring. I completed my second degree in Bremen and decided to build a ship so that I could pass on my experience and knowledge to young people. That was the original idea. And that’s how it’s remained to this day. Perhaps that is also the reason for its success: the aim has always been the same. It has stood the test of time and has ultimately proved very successful.
What has changed over the years?
People have changed – including the young people who come on board with us these days. If you compare those from 1983 with those of today, you can see the differences. I don’t want to pass judgement on that, but I used to feel that young people were more independent and better equipped to cope with life.
These days, we often have pupils who – to put it rather provocatively – would barely be able to cope on their own if they were left to their own devices. They need more support, but also a bit of a nudge to get them started and help them become independent.
Traditional crafts on board
What about the ship: has anything changed there?
Between 2007 and 2009, the entire hull was rebuilt. It has been fitted with a more modern interior, although its dimensions have remained the same. We still have very few automated systems on board, except where they are absolutely necessary, such as modern navigation and safety equipment. All of this is state-of-the-art. But all sailing operations are carried out manually. It takes a lot of people to operate the ship. This also means that, on this traditional vessel, we are keeping traditional craftsmanship alive.
How hard is that?
The advantage is that we deal with this on a daily basis. I myself learnt the trade here in Kiel, mainly through our collaboration with HDW at the time. Back then, there were still riggers there who had worked on old sailing ships, overhauled the Gorch Fock and fitted out other old vessels.
This has a great deal to do with manual skills and the knowledge I was taught back then whilst building the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’. We have taken this knowledge on board, worked extensively with rope and sailcloth, and also rigged the boat in the way that was customary on old sailing ships.
These skills and knowledge have now largely been lost. None of the riggers and sailmakers from back then are still with us. We are now carrying on this knowledge – the traditional way of rigging, working with knots and ropes, and much more besides.
Are you preaching to the converted when it comes to traditional crafts amongst young people?
Yes, definitely. Everyone wants to work on the rigging, for example. Nobody is particularly keen on chipping away at rust, even though that’s sometimes necessary on a steel ship. Young people, in particular, prefer to work with the sails, the ropes and on the rigging.
At this point, you will find external content that complements the article. You can display and hide it with a click.
Crises, new construction and perseverance
Going back to the history of the project: was there ever a point when it was seriously in jeopardy?
Yes, there certainly was. The first five years were a financial disaster until we managed to get back on our feet.
Another difficult period was the reconstruction phase. The ship did not simply need to be restored, but had to be completely rebuilt. It was inspected and ultrasonically tested in dry dock. This revealed that 60 per cent of the plating was below the required standard. The entire deck would also have had to be replaced.
The decision-makers at HDW said at the time: “Sit down. It’s not worth repairing this ship. We’ll build a new one.” However, that meant another two-year build and a cost of 2.7 million euros. Compared with other ships of this size, that isn’t much. But if you don’t have the money, 2.7 million euros is a great deal.
We actually managed to raise this money. Of course, we had some savings, but they were nowhere near enough. Many club members gave us small loans and lent a helping hand. Naturally, we needed experts for the shipbuilding work and the mechanical engineering.
That was another very difficult period. We were practically back to square one and had to carry on despite all our financial difficulties. Having to spend another two years building a ship like that, after I’d already spent the first four years on the project, was very tough for me.
What kept you going at times like that?
At a certain point, there was only one choice left: either give up now or carry on. Ultimately, everything hinged on a loan of 400,000 euros, which absolutely had to be approved. Our main bank just about managed to approve it. That was the absolute low point. After that, things started to look up again. Of course, that took a great deal of strength and nerve.
What’s more, I simply enjoy being out at sea and spending time with young people. Those are two important aspects. What’s more, I’ve really grown fond of this ship. Whenever it’s anchored somewhere, and you’re on an island looking at it from the outside, it just looks great. I still get a real kick out of that today. That’s what’s kept me motivated.
"I’ve never regretted it. Those were tough times, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat."
What young people learn on board
The majority of the ship’s operations are carried out by volunteers. How do you manage to turn that enthusiasm into a sense of responsibility for the crew and the ship?
In a way, it all happens naturally. The best teacher on board is the ship itself – and the sea. Everyone knows that if we’re to set sail and head out to the open sea, certain conditions must be met. The ship must be seaworthy and we must be well equipped. Anyone who’s ever been out there knows that.
The first time round, of course, there are wide eyes and plenty of amazement at just how much is required. But anyone who’s spent half a year at sea on the Atlantic knows: it’s essential; there’s no getting round it.
There is also a chance to exchange ideas. There are always alumni present who have already gained experience and are keen to share it. This goes down well because it doesn’t feel forced or contrived.
What can you learn on a ship like this that you can’t learn on land?
You learn to be patient and to persevere. You also learn to keep your belongings tidy in a very small space. Seafarers usually get on just fine when they’re ashore. You can sometimes feel a bit lost in a large flat, but on board you learn to make do with very little.
Preparing tasty meals for 50 people – three times a day – is a challenge. It’s easier on land than at sea. Anyone who can keep it up for six months will have no trouble opening a restaurant or running a hotel afterwards.
What is it like to be on board in such a confined space for such a long time?
For a long time, I didn’t enjoy it at all. I’d simply done it far too much. I’d been on the road for more than 43 years.
I’ve since rediscovered it for myself – especially the feeling of being out on the water, the tranquillity whilst sailing or even whilst at anchor. I’ve come to realise once again what an incredible privilege and luxury it is out there. We hardly experience that here on land anymore. Here, we’re bombarded with adverts and other external influences. Out there, everything focuses on the essentials. I’ve rediscovered that and taken it to my heart once more.
More about the “Thor Heyerdahl”:
A large proportion of the voyages are aimed at young people. There are many youth projects, including the Caribbean voyage with the ‘Classroom Under Sail’. At the same time, it is striking that the permanent crew is very mixed in terms of age. How important is this intergenerational connection?
Basically, there’s something for everyone aged between eight and 80. Not everyone has to go up top, hoist the topsails or take the sails down and stow them away. There are ways for everyone to get involved.
Because there are different types of work and areas to choose from everywhere, both young and older people can feel at home in the long term and find their own niche. Surprisingly, it works very well.
That’s how we’ve always done things. We’ve never organised trips exclusively for young people or for a specific group:
"The mix has always been varied – and it works."
If you take into account all the elements that underpin the project: what is the secret to the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’s’ success?
The key to success is, first and foremost, to stick to the idea. You also need to involve everyone. You mustn’t act in an authoritarian manner, but must involve everyone in the whole process. That is the most important thing.
This also involves providing people with the necessary information before a trip begins. Thorough preparation involving everyone concerned is crucial. Sometimes this takes just a few hours; sometimes it takes several days. We train the people and show them everything.
Afterwards, however, you also have to hand over tasks and say: ‘Now it’s your turn; you do it.’ This transfers responsibility – and, of course, it is also expected. If it doesn’t work, you have to get together again, talk it through and improve it. There’s no getting round it.
Handover, Retirement and the Foundation
On the subject of handing over responsibility: you retired at the end of August. How difficult was it for you to hand over responsibility?
I find it easy now because I know there are capable successors. I feel confident about handing over the responsibility now, and I’m sure it will work out.
The change hasn’t happened overnight, but has developed gradually over time. There are people who have been involved for years and are carrying the project forward. I hope it will continue to be carried forward for many years, or even decades, to come. Who knows? In any case, the way forward is clear to everyone: delegate responsibility, pass it on and let people get on with it.
This year, another major change is on the cards for the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’: together with the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’ Sailing Ship Association, you are setting up a foundation. What are your plans, and why are you taking this step?
One of the reasons for setting up the foundation is to ensure that the ship is no longer dependent on individual contributors. This was also a priority for many people within the association and the project.
Of course, a great deal has fallen on my shoulders so far. However, I have been handing over responsibilities bit by bit – and increasingly so. In future, the project should be able to develop independently. The foundation will become the ship’s new owner. It must, of course, be staffed accordingly – initially with me, and then with representatives of the association.
To what extent will this affect the ship’s normal operations?
I believe and hope that very little will change. Things simply should and must carry on as they have done so far. Of course, more modern features will need to be incorporated here and there. Many things also need to be replaced from time to time. That is what is required of a ship sailing across the Atlantic and on the high seas.
"But we must stay the course, so to speak."
What are your hopes for the ‘Thor Heyerdahl’ over the coming decades?
I wish her a safe journey and every success for the next 50 years. In the long term, I also hope that we will be able to cross the Atlantic using less and less diesel, and eventually without any diesel at all. That is one of my visions.
Technically speaking, this would already be possible today, but it is not yet financially viable. Perhaps it will happen at some point.
In that case, we wish you all the best and would like to thank you very much for speaking to us.
Fabian Boerger
Editor News & Panorama