From 1979 to 1983 the „Thor Heyerdahl“ was converted into a three-mast topsail schooner and has since been sailing as an educational institution for young people for more than 25 years. More than 20,000 children and young adults have taken part in its progressive educational programme over the years.
From October 2007 to May 2009 the Thor Heyerdahl was completely overhauled at the HDW shipyard in Kiel and is currently one of the most modern traditional sailing ships in the world.
In Germany, it is considered the forerunner of the idea of supporting young people through their passage to maturity and development of their personality onboard a traditional sailing vessel.
Technical Data
| Rigg: | Three-mast topsail schooner |
| Ship-owner: | The non-profit association „Segelschiff Thor Heyerdahl“ gemeinnützige Fördergesellschaft mbH |
| Home port: | Kiel |
| Length overall: | 49,83 m |
| Beam: | 6,51 m |
| Draught: | 2,95 m |
| Mast height: | 29 m |
| Engine: | 400 HP Deutz; six-cylinder |
| Crew: | 32 youths and 15 adults |
| BRZ: | 210 |
| Sail surface: | approx. 830 m2 |
| Number of sails: | 15 (maximum) |
| Petrol tanks: | 12.500 l |
| Water tanks: | 16.500 l (fresh water processor) |
| Call signal: | DKQH |
Navigation Equipment
VHF-radio, medium and short wave-radio
GMDSS VHF-DSC
Satellite phone Mini-M
Inmarsat C
Navtex & Wetterfax
Radar: Furuno & Raytheon
Depth-sounder
Structure of the „Thor Heyerdahl”
| Legend 1. captain 2. first mate 3. storage space/office 4. storage space/ chart room 5. toilet 6. navigation 7. hospital |
8. parlour 9. mess 10. cabins 11. load 12. crew OD1: galley (top deck) OD2: sanitary facilities (top deck) |
For further information about the sailing ship „Thor Heyerdahl“ see www.thor-heyerdahl.de