schaarhorn steam yacht

About the History of Steamship SCHAARHÖRN

The legends about the steamship SCHAARHÖRN tell us she was built as Hamburg's state yacht, carrying the German Emperor William II. The fact is that in 1908 the Hamburg Port Authority built a seagoing sounding vessel with two propellers. In those days the Hamburg Port Authority was also responsible for the excavation of the river Elbe, which links Hamburg to the North Sea over a distance of about 100 km. The SCHAARHÖRN was to continuously measure the depth of the Elbe, particularly in its estuary. This was the official reason for building the ship given to the Hamburg parliament, which had to appropriate the needed 220.000 Goldmarks. But the beautiful vessel, which was built at a Hamburg shipyard obviously served for more purposes than just surveying.  On its quarter-deck the SCHAARHÖRN had a spacious saloon with polished tables, leather chairs and sofas. Ten large windows in brass frames opened the view over river and sea. Walls and ceilings were made of pale oak. Through a big stained glass skylight the light shone on Art Nouveau furniture of quality and distinction.  The technical equipment was up to the highest standards for a ship of that size. Two 412 hp triple-expansion steam engines allowed a cruising speed of 12.5 knots. The elegant white vessel had a permanent crew of eight.  It has been impossible to determine the extent to which the SCHAARHÖRN was used as yacht by the Hamburg Senate, the government of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, or if the German Emperor William II ever was on board, although the SCHAARHÖRN was on stand-by on the occasion of the imperial visit to Hamburg. Definitly, the SCHAARHÖRN was used as a surveying ship part of the year and idle during the rest. The SCHAARHÖRN had never been a state yacht in the strict sense, although among Hamburg's ships she was the one best suited for representative purposes.  During World War I the SCHAARHÖRN was under the command of the German Navy, as guide vessel of a minesweeper sub-division stationed at the port of Cuxhaven. After the war, the SCHAARHÖRN was in the hands of the revolutionary council of workers and soldiers for a short while, and then decommissioned. In the hard years after the war there was no need for a representative ship.  Only in 1925, when shipping and port activities had recovered, the SCHAARHÖRN took up service again. Stationed at Cuxhaven, she was used as a surveying ship. And she was modernized: The gold- framed emblem of Hamburg at the stem was removed, the old-fashioned way of spelling her name SCHAARHÖRN was changed to SCHARHÖRN. New staircases were put in and steel masts replaced the old wooden ones; the narrow bridge was doubled in length. In 1933, the first echo-sounder was installed. Until then the depth had been fathomed by hand.  World War II in the beginning did not do much to change the monotonous life on board. Only at the end of the war, the SCHAARHÖRN was used to carry refugees from the Baltic ports of Stolpmünde and Gdansk. In this operation many refugee ships were sunk, but luckily the SCHAARHÖRN was spared.  A few years later, the SCHAARHÖRN returned to her former job in the Elbe estuary. The first radio was installed in 1955, radar in 1959, and even a highly sophisticated position finder in 1969, but downstairs coal was still shovelled under the boiler by hand, as in the old days.  Countless times the beautiful white ship had steamed up and down the Elbe, her funnel and masts elegantly tilting backwards, a familiar sight on the river. She bore her title "Swan of the Elbe" with pride.  In 1972, the SCHAARHÖRN was de-commissioned. The price of coal had increased sharply, and so had the stokers' wages. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, was cheap and plentiful. Citizens of Cuxhaven then undertook to maintain the ship. But when the initial enthusiasm had subsided, rust began to eat away hull and superstructure. The first souvenir hunters started to pick bits.  In those days, a Scottish millionaire appeared on the scene, bought the old steamer, and patched her up for her most adventurous voyage ever. Going to England, the SCHAARHÖRN got into bad weather. Waves were fife meters high, sea water flooded the engine-room, coal ran low. After 75 hours, the English coast was finally reached. In two more turns, the SCHAARHÖRN was hauled to the small Scottish port of Buckie, where the voyage ended. Well-kept at the beginning, the SCHAARHÖRN then gradually rotted away in a remote corner of the port. Vandals destroyed the furniture. Thieves took away everything they could carry. In 1979, the SCHAARHÖRN in her pityful state was purchased by two steamer freaks, who repaired her so she could be taken to the Scottish west coast where she was laid up again for some years. There was not enough money for thorough restoration, but at least the decay had been stopped.  In 1989 the partnership went bancrupt. At the same time, the SCHAARHÖRN came to the attention of "Jugend in Arbeit Hamburg e.V." (Work for Youths Association"). The association, under the auspices of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, is engaged in the professional trainig of young people and its projects also include ships. With funds of the "Commerz-Collegium zu Altona", a traditional association of businesspeople in the Hamburg district of Altona, the SCHAARHÖRN was bought and, on bord a dock-ship, returned to Hamburg. The hull would not have stood another voyage.  The restauration of the SCHAARHÖRN took about 5 years. After the removal of all installations, the hull, the decks and superstructure were thoroughly repaired. Parts of the hull, particularly around the bunkers and under the boiler had to be completely replaced. Both engines werde taken out, repaired and carefully put in again, as was all other technical equipment. The fragments left of the old furniture were supplemented by replicas.  The aim was to restore the SCHAARHÖRN to her original state. Today, the complete propulsion unit, from coal-heated boiler to the shafts, as it was in 1908, except for the steam generator (in 1927/28, the original was replaced) and the steam power steering (installed in 1927/28). The upper saloon looks like in 1908, with the exception of a picture showing the beacon on the island of Scharhörn, which has been in its current place since 1929. The SCHAARHÖRN now looks again as it did in the old days, but sophisticated new safety features have been added.  On May 25, 1995, the SCHAARHÖRN was officially turned over to her new owners, the "Dampfer SCHAARHÖRN e.V." (Steamer SCHAARHÖRN Association), specially established for the purpose by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. The SCHAARHÖRN must now earn her living from chartering and occasional tours for the public. She is manned by members of the "Freunde des Dampfschiffs SCHAARHÖRN e.V." (Friends of the Steamship SCHAARHÖRN Association) who operate the SCHAARHÖRN voluntarily and without pay. In 2002 the "Dampfer SCHAARHÖRN e.V." decided to hand the ship over to the "Stiftung Hamburg Maritim" which already was owner of other old ships.

For further booking, please contact: Nordpuls GmbH phone: +49 (0)40 42936-322 mail: [email protected] Please note: Animals are not admitted. For safety reasons strictly no admittance too for persons with high heel shoes. The ticket does not guarantee a permanent seat. Unfortunately the ship's construction (built in 1908) does not allow the transportation of wheelchairs. As SCHAARHÖRN is an old ship with a voluntary crew we must reserve the right to cancel a trip for any reason even without giving prior notice. In such a case we can not accept any liability. Only the fare is returned. On board SCHAARHÖRN in respect to the time of day food and drinks are for sale.

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KM1 Schaarhörn ArtA luxurious century-old steamer still goes strong while living and breathing the charm of times past.

Travelling like it’s still the roaring 20s: on the elegant Schaarhörn steamer, every room takes you on a trip back in time. An art nouveau lounge with large windows, a wheel house with plenty of original parts and a fully-intact engine room are just some of the fascinating features of this floating classic of seafaring. 

Today, the white steamer is mainly used for round trips up and down the Elbe river. It can be booked for private events and charter cruises. The small galley is still intact, so that drinks and food can be prepared on board. During the winter months, the Schaarhörn lies at the Sandtorhafen museum port, while in summer, she is moored at Norderelbstraße. 

History of the Schaarhörn

In 1907, Hamburg officials had to be innovative: they wanted a representative steamer but had only been allocated the means to commission a survey vessel. The original plan was to use the newly-built luxurious steamer to give Emperor William II. a suitable passage over the Elbe river. Hence, a fast two-propeller state-of-the-art steamer was built that could used for both purposes - only the Emperor likely never set foot on the ship. So, the Schaarhörn served in its other purpose instead and was used for measuring works until WWI. Like so many non-military ships, the steamer functioned as a quarters and supply vessel during both wars. From 1945, it went on numerous evacuation missions in the Baltic Sea and after the flow of refugees had receded, the Schaarhörn went back to serving as a science vessel. Until its decommissioning in 1972, it was responsible for measuring the Elbe estuary region. 

From Hamburg to England and Back Again

In 1973, the Schaarhörn was sold to an English owner and served as a Newcastle-based restaurant. In the late 1970s, the vessel was destined to head for Scotland, where it was supposed to become a museum ship, but instead wasted away without a clear purpose. In 1990 the ship finally returned to its birthplace in North Germany. In 1993 it was the first ship to be inducted into Hamburg’s monument protection list. After extensive restorations (1993 - 1995), the ship has been used for traditional voyages on the Elbe river. Whether the speedy steamer is seen from ashore or visited first hand, the Schaarhörn is an important part of the city’s maritime and cultural heritage.

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Creating Historic Model Ship Kits Since 1905

Schaarhorn steam yacht – caldercraft.

$ 720.85

About Schaarhorn Steam Yacht – CalderCraft

Schaarhorn steam yacht (rc) (cc7021).

The Schaarhorn Steam Yacht is a magnificent vessel that has captured the hearts of yacht enthusiasts all over the world. This luxurious yacht was built in 1906 by the renowned German shipbuilding company, Schaarhorn Werft. Its exquisite design and state-of-the-art technology make it a true masterpiece of engineering.

The exterior of the Schaarhorn Steam Yacht is a sight to behold. Its sleek and elegant lines, combined with its white and blue color scheme, give it a regal and sophisticated look. It has a length of 180 feet and can accommodate up to 20 guests in its spacious cabins. The yacht also has a crew of 15 members, ensuring that every guest’s needs are taken care of with utmost attention and care.

Schaarhorn was built in 1908 and used as the Hamburg state Yacht, in 1973 Schaarhorn was sold and brought to the U.K. In 1990 she was sold to a preservation society in Hamburg and fully restored. It is now used for pleasure cruises. The model was built using original drawings as well as photographs taken of the restored vessel.

The hull is a fully detailed GRP moulding. Superstructure and deck are CNC cut ply with printed ply overlays. Ships boats are styrene mouldings. Bow and stern decorative scroll work, ships name, saloon windows and door furniture are etched brass. Over 800 fittings are cast from high quality white metal (with 34 for the anchor windlass alone). All wood dowel, rod, wire and cordage are supplied to make this a model to be proud of.

1:35 Scale, 1140mm Long

More about The Schaarhorn Steam Yacht

As you step on board the Schaarhorn Steam Yacht, you are greeted by a grand foyer that exudes luxury and opulence. The interior is adorned with the finest materials, including handcrafted woodwork, marble, and gold accents. The main salon is a spacious and tastefully decorated area, perfect for socializing and relaxation. It features plush sofas, a grand piano, and a full-service bar, making it the ideal spot for entertaining guests.

The Schaarhorn Steam Yacht also boasts a formal dining room that can accommodate up to 18 guests. The rich mahogany table and elegant chandeliers create a lavish dining experience. The chef on board the yacht is highly skilled and can cater to any dietary preferences, ensuring that every meal is a culinary delight.

For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the Schaarhorn Steam Yacht features a luxurious master suite on the upper deck. It has a king-sized bed, a private lounge area, and an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. The other guest cabins are equally impressive and offer all the amenities one would expect from a five-star hotel.

One of the most impressive features of the Schaarhorn Steam Yacht is its state-of-the-art technology. It is equipped with the latest navigation system, making it easy for the captain to navigate through any waters. The yacht also has a fully equipped gym, a spa, and a movie theater, providing guests with endless entertainment options.

Outside, the Schaarhorn Steam Yacht has a spacious deck that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding seas. It features a Jacuzzi, sun loungers, and a dining area, perfect for alfresco dining. The yacht also has a wide selection of water toys, including jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards, for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Overall, the Schaarhorn Steam Yacht is a true masterpiece that combines luxury, comfort, and technology. It has sailed through the years, maintaining its elegance and charm, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking an unforgettable yachting experience. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a corporate event, the Schaarhorn Steam Yacht promises to deliver an exceptional and unforgettable journey.

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Photographs of Schaarhorn (Scharhorn), Hamburg Port Authority steam yacht

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Geograph - photograph every grid square

Ny0336 : steam yacht scharhorn, taken 38 years ago , near to maryport , cumbria, england.

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Schaarhorn steam yacht – caldercraft.

$ 688.85

1:35 Scale, 1140mm Long

Information

Schaarhorn Steam Yacht (RC) (CA7021)

Schaarhorn was built in 1908 and used as the Hamburg state Yacht, in 1973 Schaarhorn was sold and brought to the U.K. In 1990 she was sold to a preservation society in Hamburg and fully restored. It is now used for pleasure cruises. The model was built using original drawings as well as photographs taken of the restored vessel. The hull is a fully detailed GRP moulding. Superstructure and deck are CNC cut ply with printed ply overlays. Ships boats are styrene mouldings. Bow and stern decorative scroll work, ships name, saloon windows and door furniture are etched brass. Over 800 fittings are cast from high quality white metal (with 34 for the anchor windlass alone). All wood dowel, rod, wire and cordage are supplied to make this a model to be proud of.

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Caldercraft Schaarhorn Steam Yacht

• Model: CAL-7021
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