An inspiring decision

HAPAG LLOYD Cruises has named professional yacht skipper Laura Dekker ( pictured) as the godmother for its upcoming vessel, HANSEATIC inspira on.

Dekker will formally name the ship at a ceremony in Hamburg Germany on 11 Oct, an event that will see attendees view the milestone moment live from the water on board Zodiacs.

The line’s CEO Karl Pojer said Dekker was chosen because of her adventurous spirt which embodies the sentiment the ship will offer guests.

“Laura Dekker is the perfect godmother for our new, international, expedition ship,” he said.

“With her enthusiasm for nature, her spirit of adventure and her love of the sea, she represents the very essence of expedition cruises,” Pojer added.

Reflecting on her own appointment, Dekker said “I want to pass this spirit on to young people through my sailing project and motivate...them”.

“I have sailed more than 50,000 nautical miles and I am continuing to clock up more. I am a motivational speaker, author, world traveller, professional yacht skipper and am still chasing my dreams,” she added.

The 230-passenger HANSEATIC

inspira on is an advanced PC6 ice class vessel which is fitted with the latest environmental technology such as cold ironing and an SCR catalytic converter, and will house 175 crew.