Mission accomplished – June 2024

The
MARABU glides silently across Lake Constance on this warm and humid summer
afternoon. Hardly a breath of wind can be felt and yet her sails are lightly
filled and move her across the calm water as if by magic. Her classic lines,
the gleaming wood and the yacht’s gigantic dimensions for this part of the lake
attract admiring glances from other boats.

A
transfer to the Baltic Sea is already planned for next year, followed by a
longer voyage. In the medium term, the owner would like to return with the
MARABU to the beginnings of his sailing career in the Mediterranean almost 60
years ago.

 

On May
11, 2024, the successful completion of the restoration and thus the handover to
him was celebrated in the shipyard’s harbour with a launch under the old name
MARABU.

Not only
the owner’s family and numerous (sailing) friends were present, but also a
delegation from the MARABU Sailing Club in the UK. Over the years since the
MARABU was sold, its members have kept in touch with each other, meeting
regularly to keep their memories alive. Some of the former sailors followed the
long restoration process full of hope that their beloved yacht would one day
set sail again.

Some of
them sent stories and questions, which fell on fertile ground, not least with
the current owner. A lively exchange began, which has since grown into a
friendship with regular visits.

 

MARABU
was built to wage war. As compensation, she was taken to the country of the
then enemy. With her return to Germany, it almost seems as if she has found her
mission to unite sailors and lovers of classic yachts across national borders
and generations. On May 11, 2024, the new owner promised the members of the
MARABU Sailing Club that they and their families would be welcome on board the
MARABU at any time.

 

A dream
has also come true for me today. For eight years, I accompanied the work on
this 100 sqm Windfall with my camera and hopefully continue to delight people
with my impressions captured in pictures and words. Being on board the MARABU
under sail is a special, unforgettable experience, because my mission is
complete today.

 

As I
take in the atmosphere below deck, my gaze falls on a cubbyhole in the cabin
where a bowl of fresh apples has been placed. A small detail on the rear wall
caught my attention: a new frame and a frame in its original state are somewhat
hidden but still clearly visible at eye level right next to each other.

 

Past and future are inextricably linked on board the X10 MARABU.