LübeckFour-masted barque "Passat" being prepared for refurbishment

Jill Grigoleit

 · 18.05.2026

Lübeck: Four-masted barque "Passat" being prepared for refurbishmentPhoto: dpa/pa
Maritime landmark: The "Passat" has been moored on the Priwall in Lübeck-Travemünde for 65 years.
In Travemünde, experts are preparing the renovation of the four-masted barque "Passat". The traditional sailing ship is being subjected to a heeling test today (18 May). The data obtained is important for the planned refurbishment of the four-masted barque.

During the standardised nautical examination, the ship is deflected sideways in order to precisely determine its stability values. During the test, water tanks are filled so that the ship tilts to one side by three to five degrees. The experts can use the measurements to determine the ship's balance, stability and centre of gravity.

Refurbishment plans for the four-masted barque "Passat"

Without a comprehensive refurbishment, the traditional ship is in danger of falling into disrepair. In addition, the "Passat" is to be adapted to current regulations for fire protection, climate protection and accessibility as part of the upcoming technical and shipbuilding work. The city estimates the total costs at around 25 million euros and is hoping for donations. (Here go to the appeal for donations). The Hanseatic city has to raise 350,000 euros a year for maintenance alone.


The city of Lübeck is also hoping for funding from the federal government:


Brief history of the legendary "Flying P-Liner"

She was launched in 1911 as one of the legendary "Flying P-Liners". By 1957, she had sailed around the world, rounding Cape Horn 39 times. Since 1960, the four-master "Passat" has been moored on the Priwall in the Passat harbour and has since become another landmark of Lübeck-Travemünde. Today, the time-honoured four-master is a museum as well as an event location and hostel. On board the museum ship, a very personalised exhibition tells the story of life and work on the legendary Flying P-Liner. Based on diary entries, the exhibition follows the life of a ship's boy on a great voyage. The Travemünde landmark is also a venue for events and accommodation. From April to October, visitors can stay in one of the 102 berths. Guided tours are offered by the "Rettet die Passat e. V." association (max. 25 people per group) and cost 70 euros plus the tour fee. E-mail: fuehrungen@rettetdiepassat.de


More information about the "Passat":


Jill Grigoleit

Jill Grigoleit

Editor Travel

Jill Grigoleit was born in Hanover in 1985. An early childhood memory is the large collection of YACHT and SURF magazines from her sailing and surfing enthusiast father. However, growing up in a small Swabian village on the Neckar, she had less to do with water sports in her childhood, apart from a few trips to the Baltic Sea with her family. After studying journalism in Bremen and Hanover, she went into television for a few years. Through a few lucky coincidences, she ended up on the water in 2011 and then returned to the written word professionally. For over ten years, she lived with her family on a houseboat in their own harbor south of Hamburg and wrote a book about houseboat building and life with children on the water. Since 2020, she has mainly been writing travel reports and features about people who live and work on and near the water for BOOTE. She has been a permanent member of the Delius Klasing water sports editorial team since January 2024.

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