Staadskanal Shipyards in Zaandam, Holland, built the Dutch schooner, Adelaar, 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. The ship's log book, exhibited at the "Scheepsmuseum" in Groningen, Holland documents Adelaar's early history.

During World War II, She was confiscated by the Germans and used to transport war goods. The once proud and peaceful sailing Adelaar was renamed "Heimatland". After the war, the German Captain Thimian was sailing Her in the Baltic Sea, as a cargo vessel once again. The masts were removed, and a diesel engine was installed.

Aging and no longer in service, Adelaar was docked between former East Germany and Poland. The present owners attempted to buy the ship's two large anchors from the old Captain Thimian, but instead they walked away with the entire 39 meter ship! She was taken along the rivers and canals to former East Berlin.

In 1981, the owners managed "mysteriously" to sail the "Heimatland" out of East Berlin into the western world. Now "free", they began extensive restoration of the vessel, unknowingly at the very same shipyard where the ship was originally built. By chance, an old man recognized the "Heimatland" as the vessel his father has built 80 years ago.

His original pictures were used to restore the ship to Her former grandeur. 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 was granted Royal Dutch Ship Certification.

The Adelaar sailed the Mediterranean from 1984 until 1987, then crossed the Atlantic Ocean to sail the Caribbean. In 1988, She crossed the Pacific Ocean and sailed to New Zealand, where She later won the New Zealand Tall Ship Race.

From 1991 until 1992, the Adelaar underwent yet another complete renovation. Equipment was updated and a full service dive center was added. She continued her voyage around the world leaving New Zealand in 1993 and sailing to Indonesia with ports of call at Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

From 1993, until present, Adelaar has sailed the Indonesian Archipelago. In these 17 years, together with Her loyal crew of seasoned seaman, She has delivered amazing
and unforgettable diving and sailing holidays.

Adelaar has embarked on yet another transformation in her long life, and over the course of two years She was rebuilt in classical yacht style to luxury standards. She now caters to today's discerning traveler who expects only the best.