In 1991 it was bought by Karsten Börner, transferred to the Netherlands by a colleague and in 1992/93 in Lemmer it was transformed in to a topsail schooner modelled on the Baltimore Clipper and into a passenger ship. The drawings were made by the architects Kapteyn & Stromenger from Enkhuizen (Netherlands). The conversion work on the hull was carried out by the van den Berg shipyard in Lemmer, the interior by Azomat, later Aquamar B.V. in Lemmer. Electrics, rigging and many other things were completed on the own initiative of many friends and small businesses. In spring 1993 the conversion was completed, the “Robert” was “ennobled” and was now called Sir Robert Baden Powell.

Baltimore Clipper

The Baltimore Clipper was a type of ship developed for the American War of Independence. It was very fast and agile for its time, has both “on the wind” and “room wind” characteristics and was therefore very well suited as a blockade breaker, as it could maneuver much faster and better then the sluggish British liner ships. Characteristics were the masts inclined strongly aft (up to 15 degrees mast drop), as well as the 1-2 square sails typical for a topsail schooner.

The eponym

Robert Baden Powell was the founder of the scout movement. He was an English general who had fought in the Boer War. His declared aim was to get the young proletariat off the streets and occupy them in England at the turn of the century. Basic principles of his work were among other things education to self-education, to social behavior, to early assumption of responsibility and a strong connection to nature / environment protection. SRBP was one of the first adventure educationist.

Onboard philosophy

One ship, one team, one philosophy

Karsten Börner	Karin Volkening

We manage and organize sailing trips for people who want to relax naturally in a short period of time in order to return to everyday life strengthened and with new perspectives. Our ultimate goal is to pamper you with all your senses. To offer you a successful mix of relaxation, activity and adventure, so that your holiday experience moves you sustainably. A spacious, lovingly furnished holiday room is available on board – – for conviviality, activities and moments of peace. You can expect a competent crew, an experienced captain and a likeable and empathic board manager.

Sailing experiences of a special kind

Take over the helm or let the sun pamper you on deck. Active sailing on board is just as possible as passive enjoyment.

What you can expect form us

An experienced, competent and friendly crew, consisting of captain, helmsman, manager, diving instructor, cook and service personnel. High service and customer orientation. Smooth processes from booking request to your return home. Safe navigation of the ship. Excellent condition of the ship, class tested. Open, helpful, relaxed atmosphere on board. A contact person is available around the clock. Culinary delicacies on a high level: national & international. Varied on-board program.

1993 until today

Sir Robert Baden Powell looks back on an eventful history. Just one week after leaving the shipyard in Lemmer/Fryslaan, it reached the Portuguese port of Porto for its first charter after a stormy crossing (SW 11Bft). Afterwards it spent a summer season in the Spanish Mediterranean. From October 1993 – 1996 it was in the Red Sea for diving cruises. The focus was the southern Red Sea, which at that time was still underdeveloped for tourism, with the main area being the south of Egypt. Diving cruises to the most beautiful reefs of the Red Sea were carried out, also in Sudan and Israel. To name a few: Elphinstone Reef, Daedalus Reef, Brother Island, Rocky Island, Zabargad, Foolbay, Zanganeb, Schab Rumi, Umbria and many more. From 1997 Sir Robert spent all summers in the Mediterranean, first in Spain, then in Sardinia, Corsica, the Gulf of Naples, Cote d’Azur, Sicily, Malta, Gozo and many other beautiful places. In the winter months of 1997 – 2002, sailing & diving cruises were carried out in the Caribbean, e.g. on the Leeward Islands, the Winward Islands, the Grenadines and the Virgin Islands. When the effects of September 11, 2001 on tourism became noticeable, the Cape Verde Islands were the new winter cruising area. After three years Cape Verde Islands in winter including some stays in Senegal and beautiful tours on the Canary Islands, the summer season in the Mediterranean became longer and longer and is now extendable into November thanks to the temperatures. The pleasant side effect is to be able to keep the now `fine elderly lady` in good spirits during the winter rest periods i.e. to entertain, improve and adapt to the state of the art and the demand for comfort.