Three Master Mercator

The Arctic traveller Adrien de Gerlache designed this three-master which was built in Scotland. The Mercator had only two commanders: Van de Sande (from 1933) and Ghys (from 1955) and went on 54 voyages. In 1956 the Mercator brought back the remains of Father Damien from Molokai. As a seagoing ambassador the three-master attracted a great deal of attention at world exhibitions and ceremonies, participated in numerous races and won the Oslo-Oostende race.

In 1960 the Mercator sailed into the Port of Antwerp. It was refurbished as a museum ship in 1961. The Mercator has been a jewel in the crown of Oostende since 1964.

http://www.zeilschipmercator.be/en/mercator/