Lühring sisters meet again

Eye of the Wind & Anny von Hamburg

(credit: Juha Pokka)

Eye of the Wind

More maritime history to Åland islands, writes Ålands Sjöfart magazine online on 2nd Aug 2026:

"Tomorrow, on Monday (3rd Aug), the historic maritime quarter gets distinguished visitors when the over 100 years old brigantine "Eye of the Wind" arrives to Åland.

The ship is almost a sistership to Captain Juha Pokka's Anny von Hamburg that these days is based at the heritage port. Both ships were built at the C. H. Lühring Werft in Brake/Hammelwarden, Germany. The Eye of the WInd is theelder one as she was launched in 1911 as "Friedrich". In other words it is almost a family reunion at the quay.

Eye of the Wind is trading under British ensign and has as registered home port, Jersey, St. Helier. The ship is owned by the German Forum Media Group.

Eye of the Wind is about 40 meter in length, she has 750 sq.m. of sail area and carries 12 guests. Through the yearts she has carried salt over the Atlantic, rounded the Horn, circumsailed the globe and was the flagship for the great expedition Operation Drake. She has also appeared in movies such as "The Blue lagoon" and "White Squall". The sails are still hoisted by hand

So we expect still another excellent maritime day in Mariehamn, two old beauties alongside at the same time doesn't happen every day in the maritime quarter's heritage port."

Photographs credit by: www.eyeofthewind.net

Eye of the Wind

Eye of the Wind, main deck

Eye of the Wind, compass binnacle and seating area

Eye of the Wind, steering wheel

Technical Comparison

                   Anny von Hamburg  /  Eye of the Wind

Year Built:  1914  /  1911

Shipyard: C. Lühring (Brake, Germany) / C. Lühring (Brake, Germany)

Rigging: Three-masted gaff schooner / Two-masted brig (originally a gaff schooner)

Sail area: 500sq.m. / 750 sq.m.

Length: 38.00 meters / 40.23 meters

Beam: 6.95 meters / 7.01 meters

Hull: Steel / Steel

Speed: 7 knots / 8 knots

Key Differences

Rigging and Sails: Anny von Hamburg retains a fore-and-aft configuration as a three-masted gaff schooner. In contrast, Eye of the Wind was completely transformed in 1973 into a two-masted brig, utilizing square sails on both masts to give it a distinct traditional tall ship appearance.

Dimensions: Eye of the Wind is slightly larger, measuring roughly 2 meters longer and marginally wider than Anny von Hamburg.

History: While both ships started as cargo vessels and later transitioned into luxury charters, Eye of the Wind achieved major Hollywood fame. It featured prominently in major films like The Blue Lagoon (1980) and White Squall (1996).

Operational Status in 2026

Anny von Hamburg is operated under NESS company for traditional sailing charters.

Eye of the Wind is currently managed by FORUM train & sail GmbH. In November 2026, the vessel is scheduled to enter drydock for a comprehensive technical refit and upgrade to extend its operational lifespan for another decade, aiming for a relaunch in 2027.