The Rickmer Rickmers is a piece of maritime history, permanently moored as a museum ship in the heart of Hamburg, Germany. Built in 1896 by the Rickmer Clasen Rickmers shipyard in Bremerhaven, she was originally a full-rigged three-masted ship used for cargo transportation. The ship was named after the grandson of the shipyard's founder, carrying the family's legacy across the sea. Throughout her active years, the Rickmer Rickmers sailed under different names and flags, experiencing a colorful and varied history. She was first used in the rice trade with East Asia before being sold to the Portuguese in 1916 during World War I, who renamed her "Flores". Serving as a Portuguese Navy training ship for over 40 years, she was eventually retired and put up for sale in 1979. The people of Hamburg, recognizing the historical significance of the ship, purchased her in 1983. After extensive restoration, she was reintroduced to the public in 1987 as a floating museum named "Rickmer Rickmers". Today, the ship is a testament to Hamburg's rich maritime history and is a major tourist attraction. The exterior of the Rickmer Rickmers is impressive with its towering masts and complex rigging system. The ship's hull, painted in the traditional colors of black, white, and red, adds to her imposing appearance. The deck is lined with polished wooden planks and features several cannons, recalling the times when ships like these had to fend off pirates. Inside, the Rickmer Rickmers is a treasure trove of maritime artifacts. The lower deck houses the crew's quarters, showing visitors the cramped conditions sailors lived in during long voyages. The captain's cabin, in contrast, is furnished with comfortable furniture and rich wood paneling. The ship also features a museum, which displays a collection of historical seafaring artifacts and provides information about the life of sailors in the late 19th century. Visitors can also explore the engine room, where the ship's huge diesel engine is displayed. This engine, installed when the ship was converted into a training ship, replaced the original wind-powered propulsion system. In the heart of Hamburg's bustling harbor, the Rickmer Rickmers stands as a proud reminder of the city's seafaring past, attracting both locals and tourists with its rich history and fascinating exhibitions.