The first yacht from Kiel

Today, the planks of the state yacht Hohenzollern would certainly have a lot to tell. However, the proud ship only covered a few nautical miles under her keel.

The state yacht Hohenzollern was intended as a peaceful ship - built to represent the splendour and claim to power of the German Empire and its monarch. She did this on many voyages, and the powerful of Europe met on her time and again in a relaxed atmosphere. But on one of her voyages, the then brand-new ship caused trouble. On board in 1881, accompanied by his chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Kaiser Wilhelm I met with the Russian Tsar Alexander III in the Bay of Gdansk. On this occasion, the three men were able to observe a naval manoeuvre of the Imperial Navy. In order for the German Emperor to become active, his marines had him personally detonate a mine electrically. It was successful, but unfortunately also embarrassing. The Imperial Navy had prepared the show badly. At the push of a button, the Kaiser sank a small rowing gun sloop with man and mouse. Nothing is known about congratulations for this hit. However, there is also no record of the Admiralty being told off.

The Hohenzollern was not a warship.