One of the club's core activities is to train the next generation of sailors on ocean voyages. This has been taking place on the flagship "Peter von Danzig" since 1992. The 55-foot ocean-going yacht was built to a design by Georg Nissen at Thyssen Nordseewerke in Emden and has since been successfully deployed on almost uncountable nautical miles across blue waters.
However, the club's self-imposed demands are prompting thoughts about a modern replacement. ASV Chairman Owe Jessen wants to work with his members to ensure that students can continue to be trained in ocean sailing at his club. In an interview with YACHT online, the 50-year-old reveals how concrete the plans are.
Mr Jessen, does "Peter" really have to retire already?
Owe Jessen: No, but the ship is now over 30 years old and we would have to do a major refit. We would invest a lot of money, time and effort and keep the old hull. And 10 or 15 years later we would be in the same situation. That's why we decided to tackle this major project now.
What exactly does that look like?
There are only three options: you can buy a second-hand boat, a new production boat or have a one-off built. Over the past year and a half, we have looked closely at the market and decided to have a new boat built according to our wishes, just as we did with today's "Peter von Danzig".
And what is the status of the project?
We are in talks with designers and shipyards and are about to decide with whom we will realise the project.
What specifications have played a role so far?
The aim is to create a ship of a similar size, around 55 feet, with more contemporary sailing characteristics, but retaining the very cosy character of the current "Peter". For example, it should still be possible to sit at the saloon table with the crew of twelve and there should be room for everyone in the cockpit. We have also developed a specification sheet that includes requirements such as a maximum clearance height of 26 metres and twelve fixed berths.
And what good and bad experiences with the current "Peter of Gdansk" are included?
Sailing itself should become more efficient and also somewhat easier. If possible, without the many foresails of a cutter rig. What has worked really well is the interior layout with the cabins, the aforementioned saloon and the many stowage options. We can stow enough provisions for twelve people to last for six weeks. Nevertheless, we still want the speed advantage that a more modern hull shape gives us in order to achieve greater distances.
How does such a project succeed in a club like the ASV, who is allowed to have a say, how does such a process work - it is probably also an emotional issue?
We are trying to involve all members. All alternatives have been presented and anyone who is interested can participate in a working group. In addition, the established committees have a say and in the end we try to obtain the necessary formal resolutions via the general meeting.
And what does your schedule look like?
So the first step, of course, is to develop a draft that we can use to address the members in order to tackle the financing. The ASV is largely self-financed. We have reserves, but we also have to rely on donations. To do this, we need a convincing concept for a new ship that students can still use in the future to go on these great, fantastic trips all over the world. This is our first step. By the end of the year, we want to have such concrete plans that we can go to a shipyard to get a cost estimate.
And then to raise donations...
Yes, and if things went perfectly, it would be possible to enter the construction phase at the end of 2027. I don't expect the finished ship before 2030.
Are there any regulations that you have to observe for the new building?
We do not need a safety certificate with corresponding inspections by the BG Verkehr, unlike traditional sailing ships or berth charter ships. But we have very high safety standards of our own that new builds have to fulfil. We are guided by the ORC Special Regulations, and there are many specifications in the building regulations that must be adhered to, such as the number of hatches and water tanks.
And how does the control work during operation?
Also internally. At the end of the current season, an inspection and approval is carried out by our skipper's council. They then impose conditions for the next year. For example, if a sea valve no longer looks good or something needs to be done to the engine. Such an inspection takes several hours and may also include a so-called workshop trip.
The predecessor of the current "Peter von Danzig" took a long time for the ASV to separate.
For some members, the ship was an emotional anchor, a mental bridge to the pre-war period and their home town of Gdansk...
Is it also the case with this ship that there are people who want to hold on to it for sentimental reasons?
Of course, there are also those who want to stick with the tried and tested. But we have already been able to convince many of those who were initially very much in favour of a refit. At least as far as I can tell - we have an association with 400 members and I haven't spoken to all of them. But we did a written vote among all members and most of them said we wanted a new ship.
So the current "Peter von Danzig" is not such a sacred cow as the first one was for many an ASVer...
This "Peter von Danzig" is certainly also a piece of home for many members. For me too. I've been on the ship for months and I know that when I go on board, I'll come home. But now the goal is to find a ship for us that will become a new home. Just as we did with this one in the early 1990s. Emotions can be a strength.
In what way?
Because they help to preserve the simple way we sail. The fact that you still have to go forwards with several people to change sails in six-strong winds - and everyone is wet afterwards. What's more, many members still remember the transition to today's "Peter" very well. They have already experienced the emotional success of moving from an old boat to a new one and I think that's why we were able to convince most of them to do it again.
The new ship will have big shoes to fill, what were the highlights of the 33 years with the current "Peter von Danzig"?
It all started with the maiden voyage in 1992, which took them to the Caribbean. Then they travelled to Greenland in 1995, which was certainly something special. From 1996 to 1997, the "Peter" took part in the Hong Kong Challenge, a regatta on the barefoot route around the world. In 2000, the boat sailed an almost ordinary Atlantic round-the-world race. This was followed by a trip to the Caribbean from 2002 to 2003, concluding with participation in the Daimler-Crysler North Atlantic Challenge. After that, there were several more Atlantic voyages, some with wintering in the Caribbean, and a trip to Canada in 2017. But even in the years without major ocean voyages, the "Peter" always spent six to eight weeks on training voyages.
Is the sale of the current "Peter" an important factor in financing the new one?
The expected proceeds are not a deciding factor, no. It would be nice if someone could fulfil a heartfelt wish with it, as has now happened with the "Bank of Bremen" or as Christoph von Reibnitz did in a particularly outstanding way with the first "Peter von Danzig".
And what is the amount that must be realised by the end of 2027 in order to secure financing for the new ship?
When I look at what production boats of a comparable size cost, it's 2 to 3 million euros. But a one-off construction is more expensive, because a mould will have to be built especially for us. In addition, we would like to build in Germany if it can somehow be realised, and then one thing leads to another...
Has a shipyard already been shortlisted?
I don't want to give anything away about this at the moment. Just this much, that it depends on the good co-operation between the designer and the shipyard, and on the fact that both have to cope with the peculiarities of a club as a client. That really narrows down the choice.
