Noted Danish Tall Ship to Dock in Charleston; Will be Open to Public

The Danmark, a 76-year-old tall ship  considered to be Denmark’s “nautical ambassador,” is scheduled to be in Charleston August 11-14th as part of the full-rigged vessel’s 95th voyage.

“This is going to be a great event for the Lowcountry,” said attorney Brad Waring, who is Honorary Danish Consul for North and South Carolina.  “Having the Danmark here in Charleston is indicative of the strong relationship that has been formed between the Carolinas and Denmark.”

Charleston is one of just two U.S. stops before the ship returns to European waters.  The tall ship will be docked at the South Carolina Ports Authority’s Cruise Passenger Terminal and will be open to the public from 1:30pm - 4:00pm on Wednesday, August 12 and from 1:30pm - 3:00pm on Thursday, August 13. The terminal address is 196 Concord Street, which is at the foot of Market Street.  Click here for directions and additional information about the terminal.

Built in 1933, the steel-hulled, three-masted ship, has served as training vessel for young people seeking careers at sea. Capable of sailing around the world, it is the property of the Kingdom of Denmark and is operated by the Maritime Training and Education Centre in Frederikshavn.

Each year, the Danmark takes on 80 new trainees between the ages of 17½ and 22. Their instruction includes safety, environmental awareness, navigation, seamanship, watch duties, hygiene, and English. Additionally, the 15-member crew helps the young people learn skills such as responsibility, pro-activity, and flexibility to help ensure the vessel sails in a safe and efficient manner.

The Danmark has a long and proud history with the United States.

During World War II, Denmark became occupied in 1940 while the vessel was on a routine training mission in U.S. waters. In agreement with the Danish ambassador to the United States, its captain placed the Danmark at the disposal of the U.S. Government. However, neutrality prevented acceptance of the offer until after Pearl Harbor was attacked.

From that point until the end of the war, the ship trained some 3,000 U.S. officer cadets, who would go on to serve in the U.S. Navy. On Sept. 26, 1945, the Danmark was returned to the Danish Government with full honors.

Brad Waring has served as Honorary Danish Consul for the Carolina’s since Her Majesty Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark appointed him in November of 2007.  Since then, Waring has helped promote trade and business with Denmark. 

Nexsen Pruet, LLC is one of the largest law firms in the Carolinas, with more than 170 attorneys and offices in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. as well as Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, N.C.  Founded in 1945, Nexsen Pruet provides a broad range of legal services to the business community and represents companies and other entities in local, state, national, and international venues.

• Photo - Danmark at sea 2009.jpg