Sail Szczecin 2026: Minerva

Minerva is an elegant three-masted gaff schooner with a steel hull, which continues to impress with her flawless silhouette despite the passing years. Her history began in 1935 at the German shipyard C. Lühring in Kirchhammelwarden. Interestingly, she was launched under a completely different name – Uwe Ursula.

Changing fortunes: Initially, she served as a cargo vessel, facing the challenging conditions of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. She survived the turmoil of the war years and, in the 1980s, underwent a thorough restoration and reconstruction, which transformed her into a luxurious passenger sailing ship. Under her new name Minerva – after the Roman goddess of wisdom – she began a new chapter, promoting traditional sailing throughout Europe.

A floating salon: Today, Minerva is known for her high standard of finish. Her interiors combine a rugged maritime atmosphere with elegance, featuring extensive use of mahogany and brass. The vessel is a regular participant in Europe’s largest sailing events, such as SAIL Amsterdam, and her visit to Szczecin is a unique opportunity to see how historic steel sailing ships are carefully preserved.