Solway Lass

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Solway Lass is a two master tall ship. She was built in Holland in 1902, and is currently operated by Southern Cross Sailing Adventures out of Airlie Beach, Australia. She is chartered for 3-day sailing holidays in the Whitsunday Islands.

[edit] History

Built in Holland in 1902 of German Steel with Timber decking as a sail powered cargo vessel.

Originally named Stina. In 1905 sold and renamed to "Adolf", working in and around the Baltic and North Sea. In 1915 Solway Lass was seized as a prize of war by the British and used as a Q-Ship during WWI. At the end of WWI, "Solway Lass" (SL) worked as a coal, produce and stone carrying vessel between Liverpool and Scottish Ports. In 1924 sold to a Scottish firm in the Solway Firth where she was renamed SL. When WWII broke out the Germans seized SL as a prize of war where she was used to supply their armed forces. During the war SL hit a mine and was badly damaged, however the Germans refloated and repaired her because SL was useful as a sail-powered icebreaker. After WWII Solway Lass served in the South Pacific as a Cargo Vessel. In 1983 a Sydney Businessman purchased SL in Fjii. Between 1983 and 1985 SL was totally rebuilt and in 1988 took pride of place in the 1st Fleet re-enactment of the Tall Ships into Sydney Harbour.