Legendary yacht "Maria", returns to the water and will continue to tell the story of its captain

Despite fifty years, it is still beautiful, and its wooden hull is impressive among sailing enthusiasts. "Maria" constructors probably did not suspect that their work, which they had commissioned in 1971, would become one of the most important symbols of Polish shipping. After many trips and the general restoration of the yacht of the famous Ludojad again has a chance for further sea trips.

Travel around the globe

Captain Ludomir Meal, a titled sailor, as well as a traveller and geologist, set off with the crew in 1973 voyageThat was the plan. However, the journey through the seas and oceans took eleven years, during which "Maria" travelled around the world, thus recording itself on the pages of history as a yacht taking place one of the longest in Polish history voyage. After this exceptional trip, the yacht docked in France. In 1999 he sailed into the second voyage Around the world, in the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan. After this trip, which was completed by Captain Maciej Krzeptowski (Ludomir Mełka had to get off the deck to undergo spinal surgery in Canada), "Maria" returned to Szczecin in 2003. It was heavily exploited, but it could boast the title of the first Polish yacht, which twice sailed around the world. Due to Ludomir Meal's health, however, he was no longer able to deal with "Maria". The great sailor left in 2006 writing his beloved yacht to a friend from Canada – Bolesław Korneluk. The problem in the care of the yacht was first of all distance, which is why a friend of Ludka made contact with the West Pomeranian Sea Heritage Association, which took "Maria" under its wings and began its thorough renovation.

Ants Work on Legend

After Bolesław Korneluk's death, "Maria" became the property of his wife, who, understanding the need for intensive care of the yacht, formally handed him over to the Marine Heritage Society, which still serves as the shipowner of "Maria".

At that time, Włodzimierz Przysiecki, another important figure in the sailing world, a titled, significant captain, was working on the yacht of the Association. He, in turn, brought on board Paweł Ryżewski, the head of the CMS (pharmyachtowe.pl) company, who had long delivered materials for the renovation of "Maria". Paul provided technological support because the renovation was done by a masopery consisting of volunteers who devoted their private time to the renovation of a legendary yacht. Sometimes they needed help and expertise from specialists. After the death of Captain Przysiecki, at the request of the Association, it was Paul who became the guardian of the "Maria" renovation.

– I took care of the yacht because we had a chance to meet before. I knew Ludomir, we kept our boats in one marina. Despite the age difference and the fact that Ludek was a well-known character and titled sailor, there was never a distance between us. He was a very open man, a quick-to-be-relationship, and not superior, though he would have the right to do so because of his accomplishments. Thanks to our acquaintance, I had the opportunity to visit "Maria", so I have a feeling for her – This is Paweł Ryżewski.

At that point, "Maria" was a unit that, after the start of repairs, never really came out again. Except for this short trip to the monument of its owner, she was a yacht excluded from operation. Her equipment was badly deformed. The repairers had to investigate everything themselves, through daily, ant work, and small cruises were used to check whether the repair work improved her condition and swimming opportunities.

Modern materials seal oldtimers

The story of "Maria" and the character of its owner obliged to use the best materials for its restoration. Otherwise, it just wasn't right. One of the major challenges was the need to seal the various components of the yacht. In terms of products, the choice fell on the brand Sika – a manufacturer of construction chemistry, which has been providing solutions for yachts and sailing boats for years.

"Maria" is a wooden yacht, it can be said that it is historical, but for its renovation we wanted to use the best, technologically modern materials. The goal was one – so that the boat could sail again into broad waters and can continue to create its maritime history. One of the challenges was the hull, which was full of contagions. We could not seal it by traditional method, due to the bad condition of the plans, the effect would certainly be unsatisfactory. We wanted the quality of the work done because we wanted to swim! "The head of the CMS company says.

Two products of the brand Sika were used to seal the wooden hull of the yacht, from the marine line – the foundation for the foundation of the Sika Primer 290 DC wood and the multi-functional glue and sealant Sikaflex 291. The technology used proved to be an excellent choice, because after the boat was launched, which due to its age was already allowed to leak, was pumped out... Half a bucket of water.

Teaboard also required renovation. The "riseing" caps were attached to the plywood substrate using Sikaflex 298 polyurethane adhesive. In turn, new fugs were made using Sikaflex 290 DC PRO, created for wooden decks on yachts. Its mass is characterized by excellent resistance to weather conditions and to fresh and salt water. Thanks to the solutions used, the deck became completely sealed and safe.

– The repair also required windows in the yacht superstructure. We exchanged them for new ones and put them in using Sikaflex 295 UV – adds Paweł Ryżewski.

Many challenges still ahead of "Maria"

The 2020 season was supposed to be a new beginning for "Maria", but plans thwarted the coronavirus-related sharpening. This year the first small cruises have already taken place. However, Ludomira Meal's yacht certainly hasn't said the last sea word yet.

– I think Ludomir would be pleased with the way we renovated the yacht. He always wanted "Maria" to be a technically efficient yacht for swimming, not a dead museum facility. He did not defend himself against its modernizations, changing its equipment to make travel comfortable and safe. We have a portrait of him hanging in the cabin so he can keep track of what's going on on the yacht. – says Paweł Ryżewski. – Young generations need to be told about "Maria" because they do not know her great story, these were not their times. But it's worth them knowing about it because her legend is still impressive. We just have to tell it, and I think it's best we do it while we're still swimming on "Maria." This is how we will carry the story of Ludojad and his wonderful yacht into the world.

Source: Silka