Always a hand's breadth of water under the keel
The ground rocks beneath your feet, a fresh breeze blows through the grey beard and your gaze wanders over the horizon, where the outline of Kiel's skyline can be faintly seen. Seagulls circle over the sails and the water laps against the bow like music. Andreas Köpke is a sea dog with a passion. He has been travelling the seas of the world on his traditional sailing ship for 35 years. Kiel has a special place in his life.
The love of the sea
When a friend asked the then 15-year-old Andreas if he wanted to join the Schwentinemünde sailing club's youth group on their summer cruise, he was hooked: Life without the wind in his sails was out of the question. Since then, he has been out on the water in all weathers.
He is particularly fond of historic sailing boats. "I've had many different boats in my life, but they all had one thing in common: they were all traditional sailing boats with a history," says the Kiel native, his eyes fixed far out on the water. He has seen a lot of the world on them. He has particularly fond memories of the trip to the south coast of Samsø in Denmark: "We dropped anchor just off the coast and it was simply Caribbean! The water was so turquoise-coloured, I could hardly believe I was still in the Baltic Sea."
"You get on board and all the stress is forgotten"
For the full-time musical instrument maker, sailing is a break from his often stressful everyday life. "I manage to stress myself out very well. But as soon as I get on board, all the stress is history and I just concentrate on the here and now." No mobile phones, no internet. You start focussing on the weather or the route. On board, there is usually a huge nostalgic compass next to the steering wheel, which tells you the direction in the event of a power cut.
The sailing area around Kiel and the surrounding area is the best spot for hobby and sports sailors. The bad weather here usually comes from the west and announces itself well in advance. The swell is also moderate even during storms and not as unpredictable as in the Pacific.
Of sharks and Klabauter men
There are many myths about the Baltic Sea. From sunken cities, whose bells can still be heard ringing along the Baltic coast, to Friedrichsort as a pirate stronghold, to the classic Klabautermann, who is a must on every voyage. Andreas can only smile about most of the myths. "Many years ago, there was a rumour that a shark was up to mischief in the Schlei, whereupon all sailors greeted each other with 'Schlei-Hi'." In recent years, the Kiel Fjord has also received an increasing number of animal visitors. Harbour porpoises and even dolphins have accompanied him.
The museum harbour
The impressive traditional sailing boats in the Germaniahafen harbour cannot be overlooked and characterise Kiel's cityscape. Historic fishing boats, imposing Marstal schooners and quaint gaff cutters sway in the shallow wind. The association "Museumshafen Kiel e. V." was founded in 2003 and runs the traditional harbour. The aim is to create a harbour for all the historic traditional sailing ships and civilian commercial vessels. Andreas has dedicated himself to the cultural part of the harbour. "I'm the culture guy here," he explains with a brisk North German dialect. He also met First Chairwoman Leonie Föhring and her husband Nils at the association. They sail the waters of the world on their cutter "Freja" - 15-month-old Paul has also recently become a new sailor and never leaves their side.
Come on board too!
Have you got the urge to sail on a real traditional sailing ship? Whether short, day or evening cruises, romantic trips alone, as a group or as a couple - you're sure to find the right offer for you here. Click here if you prefer to view ships from land. By the way: The permanent exhibition at the Maritime Museum also focuses on the topic of ships. It is a real must-see for all ship fans. Experience all facets of Kiel's history as a harbour city, as a naval and shipyard location and as a place for sailing in the listed fish hall.
