Hoffnung

The steel sailing ship Hoffnung (German for “Hope”) was built in 1919 as one of two nearly identical cargo sailing vessels. Commissioned by a shipping company from Kuhle on the island of Rügen, she was cast at the Münter iron foundry. Her steel construction — featuring a convex bow, transom stern, and traditional rigging — reflects the “Danish yacht shape” typical of local wooden shipbuilding traditions. Originally (and as of 2008), the ship was equipped with a wooden mast and yachting- or cutter-style rigging, including a gaff mainsail, a long bowsprit with boom jib, and multiple headsails — two jibs and a staysail.

• 1919–1930: Hoffnung sailed regularly between Wittow (Rügen) and Stralsund, transporting general cargo, agricultural goods, and coal.
• 1930s onward: She operated more frequently in the Bodden Bay and Oderhaff areas, as well as along the coasts and rivers of Western Pomerania.
• 1962–1993: Converted to a motor vessel, Hoffnung served with the White Fleet as a supply ship between Stralsund and Hiddensee.
• 1994–2008: During this period, she changed ownership, had her superstructures removed, and was restored to a sailing configuration.
• Since 2008: The non-profit association Pommersche Jagt Hoffnung e.V. has owned and maintained the ship, which continues to operate successfully to this day.