Mercator

built 1932 on order of the Belgian government by Ramage & Ferguson Ltd., Leith, GBR in Scottland, sail training ship for Belgian officers of the merchant navy.

originally rigged as a topsail schooner, grounded and damaged during the voyage to Ostende, BEL, rerigged as barkentine in France.

long voyages, 1934/35 to the Easter Islands, 1936 on the Amazonas, 1940 voyage to the West Indies and South Amerika, she remained in West Africa because of the WWII, used for hydrographic work.

in January 1943 in Belgisch-Kongo given to the British Navy, used as a dpot ship for submarines in Freetown, Sierra Leone, 1948 given back to Belgium.

general overhaul until 1951.

operated by the "Association Maritime Belge" as sail training ship until 1961.

1961 laid up, since 1963 she is a museum ship in Ostsende, BEL; sometimes short trips under engine to cities along the channel coast, Belgian National Memorial, the ship hosts an exhibition about the history of Belgian sail training ships and about the life on board.