Großherzogin Elisabeth (ship)

The Großherzogin Elisabeth was a German three-masted schooner built in 1903 by Joh. C. Tecklenborg shipyard in Geestemünde (now Bremerhaven). Originally named San Antonio, she was commissioned as a cargo-carrying sailing ship for the F. Laeisz shipping company, known for their "Flying P-Liners". These ships were used to transport goods, primarily nitrate from Chile, around Cape Horn.

In 1921, the San Antonio was sold to the Schulauer Hochseefischerei AG and renamed Großherzogin Elisabeth after Elisabeth of Anhalt, the wife of the last Grand Duke of Oldenburg, Friedrich August II. She was converted into a training ship for deep-sea fishermen.

During World War II, the ship was used by the German Navy. After the war, she was briefly used as a hostel for refugees.

In 1948, she was sold to Sweden and renamed Sunbeam. She continued to be used as a training ship.

In 1993, the Sunbeam was acquired by German owners and renamed Großherzogin Elisabeth once again. Extensive renovations were undertaken to restore her to her former glory.

Today, the Großherzogin Elisabeth is used as a sail training vessel and a charter ship, participating in maritime festivals and offering sailing experiences to the public. She is considered a historical sailing ship and a valuable part of Germany's maritime heritage.