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Traditional sailing ships under blackflag

At the Marstal harbour, on the beautiful island of Ærø, filled with 29 traditional ships from Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, which gathered for a demonstration against the absurd regulations the German and Danish administrations are demanding for these ships.

Although all the ships have national safety certificates, Danish and German administrations are demanding the international SOLAS passenger safety certificates for all ships carrying more than 12 passengers.

It is impossible for most traditional sailing ships to comply with these regulations.

As the Danish waters are the principal and most beloved cruising waters for German and Dutch ships in the Baltic, the port of Marstal, with its strong maritime tradition, was chosen for this occasion.

The ships delivered a petition to the Mayor of Ærø to ask him for support.
In close co-operation with the municipality of Ærø, the Marstal  Maritime Museum and the ISSA ( International Shanty and  Sea-song Association ) the demonstration was organized in only 5 days.

Unfortunately, due to the short notice, representatives of EMH (European Maritime Heritage) were not able to join us, but they wrote a letter to the Danish Maritime Authority.

More information you will see under

www.certificering-zeilvaart.nl
www.gshw.de
www.marstal-maritime-museum.dk
www.bbz-charter.nl

Foto: Carlo Venturato