Shiny – April 2024

Something decisive has changed since my last visit in October. After years of breaking, hammering and sawing, there is an almost reverent calm over the MARABU just a few weeks before the launch. The deck and cockpit look tidy without the usual tools. The high-gloss lacquered hull, finished with a golden decorative grommet, reflects the workshop equipment and wood remnants.

 

Entering the majestic-looking yacht is only permitted in socks. The boat builders move carefully and deliberately as if they were performing a Tai Chi exercise while screwing on the last fittings. Not even the whirring of a cordless screwdriver breaks the silence. The visible slotted screws are screwed in by hand.

 

Just as the atmosphere around the MARABU has changed in recent weeks, there have also been major adjustments to the design and equipment of the 100 sqm Windfall since it was built in 1936. So what has happened during this comprehensive restoration?

 

–          Following her conversion to a ketch in the 1950s, MARABU is once again rigged as a sloop. Compared to the original state, however, the mast was moved slightly to the rear. This reduces the area of the mainsail from 100 to 75 sqm and the sail area of the headsails has been increased accordingly. Backstays are no longer necessary, so that MARABU can be sailed with a smaller crew.

–          The steering wheel has proved its worth compared to the original tiller steering and continues to provide greater safety, especially in rougher conditions.

–          The most obvious change is the switch from a blue hull finish to a natural wood look.

–          An engine was installed for the first time in the 1950s. The new engine now has 80 hp and also supplies the new bow thruster with the necessary power.

–          For the first time since 1952, the cabin superstructure has been restored to its original state without a deckhouse.

–          In accordance with its original purpose as a boat for the navigation training of prospective pilots of the Reichsluftwaffe, MARABU was spartanly furnished. Several 100 sqm Windfalls were used simultaneously by different crews in alternating shifts as training facilities and sleeping quarters. Galley, saloon and washroom were nowhere to be found at the time, as a larger accompanying boat was provided for food and personal hygiene. Now the interior of the ship presents a completely different picture. The sailing load has given way to a double berth, the galley is fully equipped and the shower room can not only be used for showering, but also for drying wet sailing gear using a special heating system.

In seven large berths and one slightly shorter berth (168 cm), the future sailors on MARABU can dream of new adventures.

 

After 20 long years on land, MARABU will soon be ready to return to the water, waves and wind as a seaworthy yacht.