Stahlratte Final Voyage(s)

[markharf]

Maybe this is common knowledge, but this is the first I've heard about it. The Stahlratte is scheduled for a couple of Cuba trips this spring, then returns in a final blaze of glory to Europe. It looks to me like the whole operation fell victim to the pandemic with its drastic falloffs in tourist travel. I imagine there is more to it, but those are the basics (links below).

I have to say I greatly enjoyed my times on the Stahratte, and always thought of the boat as an ageless feature of Latin American travel. The fact that it survived over a decade and a half doing crazy routes under crazy-making circumstances is testimony to the power of communities following dreams.

https://www.facebook.com/stahlratte/

https://www.stahlratte.de

[Snakeboy]

A sad sad day for overlanders and RTW travellers....

Capitain Lulu aka Ludvik should be awarded an award or medal from the Overlander community for his services for us for more than a decade....

[navalarchitect]

Agree that it is a sad day. Stahlratte was a wonderful experience.

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[Chris Scott]

That's a shame. Hopefully, someone will step in once overland travel resumes.

I always liked this picture by John Martin from an old edition of AMH.

[PrinceHarley]

The latest I have heard (from Kyra Eddy, who was booked on the final Steel Rat voyage to N Spain) is that this voyage has been cancelled because the new owner will be taking possession of it in South/Central America.

I could be wrong, it happens quite a lot....

[Kino Jeff]

Last voyage to Kuba, March 2021 !!!!!
WAS going to EU, but new buyers will keep it in Latin America?

Thanks RAT!!!! LULU, and the CREW

[Jamie Z]

I'm booked on the March trip to (and hopefully back from) Cuba.

I was originally booked on this year's April trip, which was cancelled, and then the January trip, which was cancelled. So I've got my fingers crossed.

[brclarke]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

I'm booked on the March trip to (and hopefully back from) Cuba.
I was originally booked on this year's April trip, which was cancelled, and then the January trip, which was cancelled. So I've got my fingers crossed.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes...

[Peter Bodtke]

After years of reading about the Stahlratte on the HUBB and blogs, basically hearing stories around the adventure campfire, I sailed with dear Captain Lulu from Panama to Columbia in 2012, then from Columbia to Jamacia-Cuba-Mexico on my return leg in 2013. The time spent on the mighty boat was one of the highlights of my Latin American adventure.

I followed the coming and going on smaller ships (often with poor reputations) and a couple(?) of ferry services that were ill-fated. The reliable and well-oiled service the Stahlratte delivered will be missed by future adventures to come.

Thanks Lulu! May the sun always shine on you and a gentle breeze fill your sails.

2021- Stahlratte approaching Cartagena, Colombia (5:57 AM)