A. Köbis (1974 yacht)

A. Köbis, which was launched in 1974, is a German motor yacht and former state yacht of the German Democratic Republic. It was named after the sailor Albin Köbis, who was famous for his participation in a mutiny during the First World War. It is classed as a sports boat and is suited only to inland waterways. It has a large conference room but no sleeping cabins, with a capacity for 50 guests.[1] It had a West German engine and a British radar system.[2] The ship was mainly used by head of state Erich Honecker on the Spree river and for hosting guests including Daniel Ortega and Muammar Gaddafi.[1][3]

As Vineta in summer 2017 in Berlin-Spandau on the Havel
History
NameA. Köbis
Owner1974–Major General Markus Wolf, head of the GDR's foreign intelligence service 2018–Flux Ahoi sailing school
BuilderVEB Yachtwerft
LaunchedOctober 1, 1974
General characteristics
TypeYacht
Length35m
Installed powerTwo 178-hp MAN diesels

The yacht replaced the earlier Albin Köbis which was launched in 1952.[4] Compared to its stylish wood-fitted predecessor, the yacht is a "plug-ugly, rectangular steel box", according to GDR boatbuilding expert Uwe Giesler.[5]

The ship was later renamed Vineta and was auctioned in 2014.[6] In 2018, she returned to Berlin and was purchased by the Flux Ahoi sailing school.[3]

Other vessels named Albin Köbis

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Ex-Staatsyacht der DDR „A. Köbis" steht zum Verkauf" (in German). 2014-06-10. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  2. ^ 'Plug-ugly' Honecker yacht fetches €130,000. The Local. 2014-12-08.
  3. ^ a b "Erich Honeckers Schiff "Vineta": Die Staatsyacht der DDR kehrt zurück". Der Tagesspiegel Online (in German). ISSN 1865-2263. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  4. ^ WELT, DIE (2014-06-11). "DDR-Luxus : Erich Honeckers potthässliches Amtszimmer auf See". DIE WELT. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
  5. ^ The Local.
  6. ^ "Frühere „A. Köbis": Die DDR Staatsyacht „Vineta" wird versteigert". FAZ.NET (in German). 2014-11-21. Retrieved 2024-09-30.