Model Feature : SCHAARHORN

by John Jefford

As with many historic ships, SCHAARHORN has an interesting and varied history.

Funding was originally granted for construction of a survey ship to measure the depth of the Elbe and its estuary, and the SCHAARHORN was the result. While rather opulent for a survey ship, it was well equipped for that purpose, but was also the kind of vessel which would be well suited to carrying and entertaining visiting dignitaries, including Kaiser Wilhelm II.

SCHAARHORN has a crew of 8 and was powered by two 412HP triple expansion steam engines powered by coal boilers, giving her a cruising speed of 12.5 knots.

During WW1, SCHAARHORN served as a pilot for a minesweeper sub-division berthed at Cuxhaven, at the mouth of the Elbe, on the shores of the Wadden Sea.

After the war, she was decommissioned.

In 1925 she was recommissioned as a survey ship, remodelled, and again stationed at Cuxhaven. In 1933 she was fitted with an echo sounder.

During WWII, she played little part, before returning to surveying post-1945.

In 1955 she was fitted with a radio; in 1959 radar; and in 1969 a position finder.

SCHAARHORN was decomissioned in 1972.

In 1973, in poor shape, the ship was sold to an English owner, sailed to Newcastle, and used as a floating restaurant. She was then taken to Scotland (some say she was sold to a Scottish millionaire) and moored at Buckie, where she suffered a significant decline.

She was then sold to the former Laird of the Isle of Eigg and taken to the west coast, where she was destined for restoration but instead suffered further decline.

In 1990, she was repatriated to Hamburg where she was restored during 1993-5, and she is now a significant attraction, giving much pleasure to tourists as she carries then up and down the Elbe.

The model represents SCHAARHORN at her very best, and is a lovely sight on the pond.

Built in 1909 by Hamburg City Council, SCHAARHORN was intended for use by the Kaiser when he was visiting. This magnificent vessel looks as though it belongs to that era of opulence, indulgence, celebration and a public display of pride.