robbe berking yachting

Mercedes-Maybach S 680 celebrates a yacht and Robbe & Berking's 150th

I n 1874, Nikolaus Christoph Robbe founded his own silversmith workshop in Flensburg, Germany. Thirteen years later, master silversmith Robert Berking joined the company, eventually marrying Robbe's daughter and taking a 50% stake in the outfit. Now 150 years old, Robbe & Berking remains a family-run operation five generations on. In 2005, Oliver Berking bought a vintage racing yacht with two friends and spent three years restoring it. The knowledge gained during the restoration, and the fame of the yacht in question, led to Oliver establishing the Robbe & Berking Classics Shipyard in 2008, dedicated to the renewal of classic sailing vessels. With all of that said, it should be easy to imagine the equation of Germany, 19th-century origins, craftsmanship, silver, and yachts equating to Mercedes-Maybach, which is how we get the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class celebrating Robbe & Berking's 150th anniversary and the famed Sphinx 12mR yacht.

Starting with the Maybach S 680 , the exterior wears the same scheme as the restored Sphinx yacht : Nautical Blue Metallic and Manufaktur Patagonia red separated by a Manufaktur Opalite White coach line. It's the coach line that gets reflected on the interior, the seats, door cards, headliner, and even the storage compartment done up in Crystal White Nappa leather with Orion Grey topstitching and diamond quilting. Trim, naturally, comes in walnut with aluminum accents. The throw pillows in back come in Crystal White leather with a Silver Grey Pearl triangular contrast panel, finished with Orion Grey topstitching and Silver Grey Pearl piping.  

The lengthy options sheet lists Manufaktur sills with red illumination, Burmester surround sound, and in back, electric comfort doors as well as the MBUX rear-seat entertainment setup.

This isn't Maybach's first tie-up with Robbe & Berking — the house of silver has provided goblets for the luxury automaker almost since 2002, five years after Maybach's revival with the 57 and 62. There's a set of silver-plated flutes in this Mercedes-Maybach S 680 as well.

Since the sedan's a one-off for an unnamed customer we're going to assume is either named Robbe or Berking, this Maybach is off limits. You can buy Robbe & Berking Maybach champagne flutes at the accessories store, though, for just $874.50 plus tax and shipping.    

As for the Sphinx, the short history is that German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen built the 12-meter racing yacht in 1939. The 12-meter bit refers to an international classification known as 12 Meter R , not actual length; the Sphinx stretches 70.5 long. Until 1987, this international class represented the height of sailing, contesting the America's Cup from 1958 to 1987. The Sphinx joined the German naval fleet in 1958 with the name Ostwind, used as a training ship for officers until 2004, when it began its 20-year journey to creating a new shipyard and a unique Mercedes-Maybach S 680. The longer history is fascinating , involving a launch not long before the start of World War II, postwar restrictions on boat length for private German citizens necessitating a stranger barter deal, Chilean passports, and payment in wood.  

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Mercedes-Maybach S 680 celebrates a yacht and Robbe & Berking's 150th originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 4 Aug 2024 11:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds .

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Robbe & Berking Yachts, the comeback of the 20s

Deutsche Yachten member Robbe & Berking Yachts breaks new ground and presents the concept for three motor-driven commuter yachts.

Robbe & Berking Yachts is an expert in classic yachts made of wood and handcrafted at the shipyard in Flensburg. Primarily specialized in sailing yachts – now the brand wants to break new ground and has, together with beiderbeck designs , designed the concept for three motor-driven commuter yachts .

Commuter yachts are a legacy of the golden 1920s , when the mighty of Wall Street drove their “commuter” yachts across Long Island Sound to Manhattan for work. These yachts were fast and stylish, yet not very luxurious, being used primarily as a reliable alternative to overland travel. They were also often used as tenders for larger yachts.

Robbe & Berking Classics and beiderbeck designs have now designed three modern-interpreted commuter yachts that have the unmistakable retro style of the 1920s, combined with the economy and comfort expected today. The choice of propulsion – diesel, hybrid or electric – is entirely up to the client.

The classy small series will consist of a 10-meter day cruiser, a 12-meter weekend cruiser and a 23.5-meter flagship, offering plenty of space as well as versatility. The three commuter yachts share an elegant design with narrow hulls that cut extremely smoothly through the waves. The hulls are made of wood, manufactured using a modern composite process, making them high-strength, insulating, lightweight and with an indoor climate that only wood can provide. The superstructures are flat and rounded, offering plenty of interior space and light precisely because of this.

Oliver Berking comments on the new business as follows: “We wanted breathtaking motorboats of the absolute upper class. And, of course, in the Robbe & Berking style, i.e. classic and emotional lines and, at the same time, technical concept solutions of the finest quality with modular deck layouts that meet every customer requirement.”

The ten-meter commuter features a fixed bimini and sunroof, a large dinette with galley and refrigerator in the cockpit, and a sunbed and swim platform aft. Below deck is a double berth, a bathroom with toilet and a second galley with refrigerator. The slightly larger weekend cruiser offers more interior space and a second cabin on a length of twelve meters.

The interior of both versions is particularly bright and friendly, thanks to the continuous band of windows in the superstructure. The 10- and 12-meter commuters also feature a clear-lacquered mahogany transom that folds down to turn into a terrace on the water. With their compact size and clever layout, these two yachts, in addition to their role as stand-alone day and weekend cruisers, are perfect as tenders or escort boats for large superyachts.

The largest of the three designs , meanwhile, offers enough seaworthiness to navigate the often rough coastal waters of Europe, quickly transforming into an elegant canal yacht for cruising inland European waters with a hydraulically retractable superstructure. This retractable roof over the cockpit provides a compact size within the so-called “Freycinet dimensions”, the French standard for canals established in the 19th century. This allows the largest of the commuters to reach remote and romantic locations along the smaller canals.

On the open sea, this yacht manages a cruising speed of over 20 knots thanks to its narrow semi-planing hull. Below deck, there is enough room for up to four owners and guests in spacious cabins with a separate crew area complete with crew mess and a professional galley.

Claus-Ehlert Meyer , Managing Director of the German Boat and Shipbuilders Association and thus also of the working group Deutsche Yachten, says: “I am delighted that there is now yet another address for high-quality motor yachts from Germany. The Made in Germany seal is very popular with the yacht-savvy UHNWI elite. Hopefully we will soon see the first commuter from Flensburg. Robbe & Berking Classics have proven with sensational newbuilds in the sailing yacht sector that they can handle the material wood like few shipyards in Europe.”

(Robbe & Berking Yachts, the comeback of the 20s  – barchemagazine.com – September 2022)

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Robbe & Berking : Yachting Heritage Centre presents "111 years of A&R"

Lasse Johannsen

 ·  24.05.2018

"This exhibition closes a circle," said Oliver Berking in his welcoming address, explaining that his involvement in the restoration of the A&R twelve-wheeler "Sphinx" ten years ago was the starting signal for the foundation of the shipyard and the establishment of the Heritage Centre.

The exhibition now being presented by him and his colleagues is a further History of probably the most famous German yacht shipyard told. The life and work of Henry "Jimmy" Rasmussen and his successors are shown in numerous exhibits, provided by owners and classic car enthusiasts from all over Germany, of whom the current incumbent, Hans Schaedla, himself came to the opening and addressed personal words to the curators.

The importance of the shipyard founded in 1907 by Rasmussen and his friend Georg Abeking in the midst of the new sailing euphoria of the German Empire is immense. The company left its mark on German and international sailing through the design and construction of sports boats of all kinds, but above all through the regatta classes that characterised the respective era.

In future, until mid-October, the Flensburg Robbe & Berking Yachting Heritage Centre models, half-models and crack drawings from all eras of the shipyard. There has never before been an exhibition of this size dedicated to the history of the shipyard.

Yachting Heritage Centre, Harniskai 13, 24937 Flensburg

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.00 am to 6.00 pm

Guided tours: Sundays 11.00 a.m. with registration

Admission price: 5 euros, various concessions (2.50 euros), children under 6 years free.

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• 9th Jul 2024

In honor of Robbe & Berking’s 150th anniversary, Mercedes-Maybach unveils a breathtaking S-Class model, drawing inspiration from the iconic SPHINX 12mR yacht. This special edition celebrates unparalleled sophistication and artisanal craftsmanship. 

A Fusion of Timeless Heritage and Modern Innovation

Mercedes-Maybach and Robbe & Berking, paragons of luxury and precision, unite to create an extraordinary masterpiece. The commemorative S-Class showcases a striking two-tone paint finish in nautical blue metallic and MANUFAKTUR patagonia red bright, accented with a fine pinstripe in MANUFAKTUR opalite white metallic.

Inside, the cabin is adorned with Maybach MANUFAKTUR Exclusive nappa leather in crystal white, featuring diamond quilting and orion grey stitching, reminiscent of the yacht’s refined elegance.

Unrivaled Luxury and Exceptional Features

The interior of the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 epitomizes ultimate luxury. It boasts electric comfort doors, illuminated MANUFAKTUR door sills, and a Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system, delivering an unmatched sensory experience. Rear-seat passengers are treated to the MBUX entertainment system and a cooling compartment complete with silver-plated champagne goblets from Robbe & Berking, heightening the exclusivity of this vehicle.

The Storied Legacy of the SPHINX Yacht

The SPHINX yacht, crafted in 1939 and meticulously restored by Robbe & Berking Classics in 2008, serves as the muse for this exclusive edition. Celebrated for its night-blue beauty and rich history, including its role as a German Navy training vessel, the SPHINX embodies a legacy of maritime excellence. Oliver Berking, the visionary behind its restoration, highlighted the shared commitment to craftsmanship and timeless beauty that unites these iconic brands.

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Robbe & Berking Classics GmbH & Co KG

About our office in Flensburg Germany

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We at Robbe & Berking yacht brokers have been paying our greatest attention to classic yachts since 1984. Yachts with a history and history were predominantly made from the most beautiful of all boat building materials: wood. In our portfolio you will find classic yachts handpicked by us from all over the world. In addition to these beautiful used boats, we offer restoration and new construction of yachts in our in-house shipyard.

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Mercedes-Maybach meets the yacht world of Robbe & Berking

M ercedes-Maybach redefines what luxury means in today’s world. Technical sophistication, maximum comfort, clear aesthetics and attention to detail create a world for discerning customers who see their vehicle not just as a product, but as an expression of their individual lifestyle. It is not simply a moment captured in time, but rather a cosmos of personalities and objects with which connoisseurs surround themselves, thereby satisfying their passion for quality and character. The exclusive accessories and lifestyle products from MAYBACH Icons of Luxury succeed in conveying the fascination of the brand beyond the automotive world and in meeting the desire for individuality. Those with this craving for something special also feel at home with Robbe & Berking in Flensburg. Not only has the company been handcrafting fine silver tableware for almost 150 years, since 2008, this tradition-steeped company has also been restoring and rebuilding unique wooden sailing yachts at its own shipyard in Flensburg, Germany .

EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR CONNOISSEURS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY

When an engine is brought to the body of a vehicle and brings it to life, this is also known as a wedding. It is a similar moment when a ship is brought to the water and is launched. Sailing yachts and luxury vehicles therefore have a lot more in common than one might think at first glance. Their creation is a consummate interplay of craftsmanship, care in selecting the best materials, technical know-how, and a lot of time and pure passion.

Nini Anker, the classic twelve-metre yacht was the last design of the legendary Norwegian designer Johan Anker, from 1939. Robbe & Berking Classics has rebuilt this work of art according to the original plans and made the elegant, fast yacht accessible to the yachting world decades later.

Like the Nini Anker, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class represents a way of defining luxury. Balanced proportions and many exclusive details on the outside, along with the ultimate in comfort for its occupants, characterise this elegant saloon. Those who place the highest value on independence will choose the luxury-class SUV, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

During an exclusive photo shoot at the Robbe & Berking Classics shipyard, these parallels have now been impressively documented. The precise design lines of the products are reflected in the photography, revealing the correspondence between the two-tone paintwork of these elegant cars and yachts. The longing for travel, freedom, exclusivity, an individual lifestyle and the desire to overcome boundaries, becomes clear in these images.

If there is one term that sums up what Maybach and Robbe & Berking have in common, it is surely “sophistication”. Since their foundation, both manufactories have stood for tradition and innovation as well as for the highest quality standards “Handmade in Germany” with a maximum of individualization in order to continuously exceed the expectations of their customers

Photos: Mercedes-Benz

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SPECIAL COLLECTION

ACCESSORIES

INFORMATION

Located on the Flensburg Fjord at the western end of the Baltic Sea, Robbe & Berking is a fifth generation family business. In addition to silver manufacture, the family has a long sailing tradition. The Robbe & Berking Classics shipyard has restored and refitted over a dozen 12 Metre Class yachts. The Robbe & Berking Yachting Heritage Center, home of the world’s biggest yachting library, hosted the 2019 America’s Cup Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Robbe & Berking is proud to present the American Magic Special Collection.

American Magic Silver 

Special collection, collection overview.

Scroll down to see details of each product.

• Become a Dealer

This One-Off Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Celebrates Robbe & Berking’s 150th Anniversary

August 13, 2024 2:30 AM

By: MPH Team

United by a passion for unique craftsmanship, clear aesthetics, and timeless elegance, Mercedes-Maybach and Robbe & Berking, the distinguished silver and yacht manufacturer, have collaborated to create a special edition, yacht-inspired S 680 model. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Flensburg silver manufactory, Mercedes-Maybach has designed a uniquely refined S-Class model based on the SPHINX 12mR yacht, known as the "night-blue beauty" in the history of sailing yachts. Built in 1939 and meticulously restored by Robbe & Berking Classics in 2008, the SPHINX yacht not only revived a historic vessel but also led to the establishment of Robbe & Berking’s yacht shipyard.

Elegant Exterior Design

Reflecting the heritage of the SPHINX, the anniversary Mercedes-Maybach S 680 boasts a striking two-tone paint finish: Nautical Blue Metallic on the upper section and MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red on the lower section. A delicate pinstripe in MANUFAKTUR Opalite White Metallic separates the two tones, mirroring the yacht's sleek lines.

Interior Excellence

Entering this exclusive S-Class, one is immediately surrounded by opulence. The cabin features Maybach MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Nappa leather in a pristine Crystal White with diamond quilting, highlighted by Orion Gray topstitching that evokes the texture of sails. Enhancing the maritime theme, the interior includes wood walnut trim with aluminum decorative strips. Nappa leather cushions add an extra layer of comfort, ensuring a plush experience. The seats, headliner, door center panels, and storage compartment under the central display are all upholstered in this fine material, creating a cohesive and luxurious environment.

Electric comfort doors ensure seamless entry and exit, while door sill trims with red illuminated MAYBACH lettering add a touch of elegance. The Burmester 4D surround sound system offers an immersive audio experience, and the MBUX rear-seat entertainment system provides a cooling compartment with silver-plated champagne goblets from Robbe & Berking. These goblets, available since 2002, have become a popular request among customers, lending the Mercedes-Maybach models a special luster.

The Legacy of the SPHINX Racing Yacht

The SPHINX belongs to the famous “12 Metre R class” (12mR yacht). These large and elegant yachts, built from 1907 to 1987, sailed for the America's Cup from 1958 to 1987, epitomizing classic yacht design and the dream of every sailing enthusiast. Built in 1939 by the Abeking & Rasmussen boatyard for the North German Regatta Association (NRV) in Hamburg, the SPHINX has a storied history. She served the German Navy as a training ship for officer candidates under the name "Ostwind" from 1958 to 2004. In 2005, Oliver Berking and two friends purchased and restored the SPHINX, returning her to her original glory and reintroducing her to the sailing world. This restoration led to the founding of Robbe & Berking Classics in 2008, a shipyard dedicated to the preservation and construction of classic yachts.

“ This wonderful anniversary vehicle is another sign of the friendship that has long connected Maybach and Robbe & Berking. We are also united by shared passions: craftsmanship, the finest materials and timelessly beautiful lines – on the road as well as on the water and on the table. ” shared Oliver Berking, Managing Director of Robbe & Berking GmbH.

This exclusive Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, already reserved for a discerning client, showcases the impeccable craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and timeless design shared by both brands. It honors the legacy of Robbe & Berking and is a remarkable addition to the world of luxury automobiles.

To shop the latest Maybach models, visit mph.com .

About MPH  

Welcome to MPH.com, the premier luxury automotive marketplace. As a trusted liaison in the world of hyper, exotic, and luxury vehicles, we connect discerning enthusiasts to an exclusive network of luxury car dealers across North America. Backed by years of experience and deep industry knowledge, MPH commits to delivering an exemplary level of service and expertise. MPH also provides access to the latest industry trends, news, and insights. Visit www.mph.com to start your luxury car journey, or stay informed at mph.com/news.

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New: Metropolitan – The Modern Classic

An absolute classic of Robbe & Berking history is coming back to mark the 150th anniversary of the silver manufactory – Metropolitan . Like no other pattern it embodies the flowing and organic lines that characterized the middle of the 20th century. Many of the classic Mid-Century designs have become true design icons and are inspiring creatives today more than ever. The Modern Classic!

SEE THE COLLECTION

Even after several centuries, classic cutlery patterns of the silversmith's art, such as Spaten, Chippendale or the hammer stroke flatware patterns, keep their timeless charm. Their harmonious shapes also act as a powerful contrast in modern interiors. Robbe & Berking timelessly beautiful silverware can be passed down through generations as family heirlooms.

Robbe & Berking offers a purchasing guarantee (non-discontinuation of flatware patterns) on all current silver cutlery patterns until at least 2040.

Periods such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco are still influential in art, architecture, fashion and design today. Clear, elegant shapes combined with deliberately used decorative elements create a special aesthetic. Some of Robbe & Berking's most successful silver cutlery patterns have been influenced by these art movements and have since risen to become true design icons of table culture.

Silver cutlery patterns such as Sphinx or 12 pose special challenges to the silversmith's skills. Tense arches or the interplay of material distribution and design can only be realized in this highly demanding form through genuine manual craftsmanship. Industrial mass production cannot create silverware with this aesthetic standard. "Manu factum" – stands for "created by hand" and this is what silver cutlery by Robbe & Berking has stood for since 1874 and continues to do so in the future.

Most of Robbe & Berking's silver silverware patterns is expressive in character; hence their design has been manufactured unchanged for decades or even centuries. Other patterns have been deliberately inspired by modern trends. However, all Robbe & Berking silver cutlery patterns have one in common: the timeless beauty and the highest standards of design and quality. A piece of silver cutlery that is a design icon today will still be so in many years to come.

Robbe & Berking

The silver manufacturer Robbe & Berking was founded in 1874 and is still a pure family business today – now in its 5th generation.

Manu Factum – made by hand – is everything that bears the name of the company. The master silversmiths in the silver manufactory and the master boat builders in the Robbe & Berking yacht manufactory are responsible for the unrivalled quality worldwide. It is not the limited possibilities of rational large-scale production, but the hands of the master craftsmen and women alone that determine the form and quality of each piece of work.

This is how cutlery and tableware of timeless elegance and beauty are created, which never just follow passing fashions or trends, but are made to last for generations. As the market leader in silver cutlery, Robbe & Berking is a supplier to the world's finest businesses.

Royal Yachting

This exhibition is concerned with the European royal houses’ passion for yachting from the end of the 19th century to today – one of the most fascinating chapters in European yachting history. Loans from many European royal families, royal yacht clubs all over Europe, museums and private collections have been brought together into a unique exhibition. Many of the exhibits from this golden age of yachting are on public display for the first time.

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