Historic and preservation-worthy wooden vessel approved for sailing with 12 passengers. It can be purchased for commercial operations but can also easily be converted into a leisure craft.
The vessel, with the call sign 5QTZ, was built in 1962 at Brødrene Nippers Shipyard in Skagen. It was originally named Gardner and commissioned by Ole Sommer, a Danish dealer of both Volvo and Gardner engines. The vessel was used as a leisure craft for weekend trips and summer voyages, particularly to Sweden. At the same time, it served as a demonstration vessel showcasing the qualities of the Gardner engine. The original Gardner engine (6LX, output 81 kW and 110 hp at 1300 rpm) and fuel pump—shipped from the manufacturer’s headquarters on 29 March 1962—are still preserved on board, along with the original instruction manuals, etc. This early phase of the vessel’s life has been confirmed by Ole Sommer’s son.
Between 1977 and 1984, ownership is unclear. Several accounts suggest that it was owned by a married couple, where the husband died and the wife later went bankrupt. None of this information has been confirmed, and the vessel’s use during this period is assumed to have been as a leisure craft.
In 1984, the vessel was taken over, renamed Amigo, and used for recreational fishing around Grenaa. The owner converted the vessel from a pleasure craft into a passenger and cargo vessel, and for the following 17 years he operated fishing trips. A significant modification was the replacement of the mast, which prevented large amounts of water from entering the vessel—previously a recurring problem. This period in the vessel’s history is documented by Lars Engelbrechtsen, a close acquaintance and owner of the neighbouring vessel M/S Signe.
In 2001, the vessel was purchased again and continued to be used for recreational fishing, now based in Gedser. Here, it was also used for tourist trips and for transporting workers to nearby wind turbines.
From 2014 to 2022, the vessel was used for fishing trips out of Langø and Spodsbjerg. Modern Garmin equipment was installed for fishing, but the vessel’s original character was otherwise preserved.
In 2022, the current owner took over the vessel through Varra ApS and renamed it Ripa Bornholm. At a time when many former fishing vessels are being scrapped, the current owner has chosen to preserve and repurpose the vessel as part of a sustainable and cultural initiative. It now operates as a floating hotel with options for overnight accommodation and passenger trips along the coast of Bornholm. Guests can rent the vessel for both fixed stays and active sailing trips with a skipper. The project is part of a new business model based on upcycling and the preservation of Danish maritime cultural heritage.
Upon confirmed sale, the seller is also willing to share intangible assets connected to the newly developed business model, which has been in high demand over the past four seasons: know-how, best practices for rental operations, sales strategies, networks, photos, and similar materials.
The vessel’s mast has sustained a break just above the mast collar, which is visible in some of the photos.
Contact Yachtbasen for further information or to arrange a viewing.