“Staadskanal Shipyards” from Zaandam, Holland, built the schooner in 1902. Originally a cargo ship, the Adelaar sailed between England, Sweden, Norway and Russia, propelled only by the wind blowing into heavy canvas sails. In fact, the historic sailboat’s log book, documenting Adelaar’s early history is exhibited at the “Scheepsmuseum” in Groningen, Holland.

Later during World War II, She was confiscated by the Germans and used to transport war goods. Shortly after, the once proud and peaceful sailing Adelaar was renamed “Heimatland”. After the war, the German Captain Thimian sailed her along the Baltic Sea, as a cargo vessel once again. The masts were removed, and her first diesel engine was installed in 1954.

In 1981, the owners managed “mysteriously” to sail the “Heimatland” out of East Berlin into the western world. Now “free”, they began extensive renovations, unknowingly at the very same shipyard in Holland, where the ship was originally built. By chance, an old man recognized the “Heimatland” as the vessel Adelaar that his father had built 80 years ago and brought his  father’s original pictures. During the four-year restoration, the vessel received a new yacht-like interior, a 40-ton steel-concrete keel and a traditional schooner rig. Fitted to sail around the world and named Adelaar again, She received Royal Dutch Ship Certification.

From 1991 until 1992, the historic sailboat underwent a complete renovation, adding cabin space, and a full-service dive center. Then, leaving New Zealand in 1993, she continued her voyage sailing to Indonesia with ports of call at Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.