Polish sailing ships: Kapitan Borchardt

Kapitan Borchardt is very important ship for me for two reasons – on it was my first sea voyage and my childhood’s favourite book is “Znaczy Kapitan” (now its still my favourite book) – the book which was written by Karol Olgier Borchardt.

That sailing ship’s story started in 1918 in the Netherlands. It was built as a oceanic transport ship named “Nora”. At first it didn’t have any engine that’s why it has so big sail area. It was sold to German in 1923 (here was installation the first engine) and some years later it had an accident at Thames - effect was it lost its the oryginal clipper bow. During WWII it was used as place to training Kriegsmarines. After War it came back to Netherlands, then to Sweden, again to Netherlands and once more to Sweden. In 2011 Najaden was given to Polish sailors and 8th October 2011 was naming a ship - new name is Kapitan Borchardt. In fact it had a lot of names: Nora, Harlingen, Möwe, Vadder Gerrit, In Spe, Utskär, Najaden, Kapitan Borchardt.

Now it sailing one/two weeks voyages on Baltic Sea or longer voyages to Atlantic. 

General characteristics:

tonnage: 173 t
lenght: 45 m
depth: 3,21 m 
sail area: 10 sails
                  600 square metre 
crew: 41 trainees + pernament staff

Mateusz 3f