Alexander von Humboldt Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training

What Alexander von Humboldt Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training does

Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training (DSST) is a Bremen-registered, private charitable foundation founded in 1986 that operates the ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II, a three-masted bark sail training vessel commissioned in 2011 and homeported in Bremerhaven, Germany. The foundation's core function is youth development through traditional seamanship, running multi-day sailing voyages (Törns), day trips, group and corporate charters, and a semester-at-sea partnership with Class Afloat (since 1984). The vessel — 65.05m in length with 1,360 m² of sail area, capacity for 52 overnight or 120 day-trip guests, classified by Germanischer Lloyd and certified under Blue Flag — is the central operating asset and brand anchor, with the 'Green Lady' identity derived from its distinctive green hull and sails.

The revenue model is hybrid and donation-supported: fee-for-service revenue from individual voyages, gift vouchers, corporate and group charters, and merchandise sales is supplemented by donations, sponsorships, and corporate partner contributions (BLG Logistics, AB InBev/Beck's, Reintjes, Raguse & Voss, Hochschule Bremerhaven, Hochschule Bremen, Deutsche Klimastiftung, Stadt Bremerhaven). A current €1,000,000 fundraising campaign for the 'Große Klasse' vessel class renewal — at €271,253 raised (27%) at the time of input — illustrates the donation-dependent capital structure typical of large-asset nonprofit maritime operations. The organization is operated by a small team of 7 office staff plus ~12 core crew, with extensive volunteer and alumni support via the 858-member Alex-2 Förderkreis.

Customer segmentation spans individual youth and adult sailors (primary), corporate clients seeking team-building and incentive events, educational institutions through Class Afloat and Hochschule partnerships, and a broad base of recurring donors and sponsors. Distribution is primarily direct via the alex-2.de website (self-serve booking, online shop, gift voucher purchase), with a dedicated corporate sales team handling charter inquiries, and presence at Tall Ships Races and German boat shows (boot Düsseldorf, Interboot) for community engagement and top-of-funnel demand generation.

Name

Alexander von Humboldt Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training

Legal name

Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training (DSST)

Website

https://alex-2.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training (DSST) is a Bremen-based nonprofit foundation founded in 1986 that operates the ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II, a three-masted bark sail training vessel based in Bremerhaven, Germany. It delivers traditional seamanship voyages, corporate charters, and educational programs (including Class Afloat) for youth, adults, schools, and companies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sail Training Services

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAJAJAG

Sailing Experiences (Lessons, Regattas, Day Sails)

Travel & Hospitality/Tours, Attractions & Experiences/Marine & Water Experiences (Boat Tours, Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing)

SECONDARYEDAOANAA

Merchant Marine & Deck Operations

Education/Vocational, Technical & Trade Education/Maritime, Logistics & Transportation Trades

Keywords

• Sail training voyages
• Tall ship charters
• Youth maritime education
• Traditional seamanship
• Non-profit sailing foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Bremerhaven

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Sail training voyages (Törns): Multi-day sailing trips ranging from day sails to extended voyages across North Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic, and Caribbean. Participants pay törn fees which include accommodation, meals, and sailing instruction.
2. Day trips (Tagestörns): Short sailing experiences for groups of up to 120 guests, including harbor events, corporate functions, and sailing experiences.
3. Charter and group bookings: Customized sailing experiences for companies, groups, and organizations including team building events, seminars, and private charters with up to 52 overnight guests.
4. Merchandise and online shop: Sale of Alex-2 branded merchandise including clothing, puzzles, and souvenirs through the online shop.
5. Donations and sponsorships: The organization relies on donations from supporters and partnerships with sponsors to fund vessel maintenance and youth training programs.
6. Class Afloat partnership: Cooperation with Canadian High School (Class Afloat) since 1984, providing sailing-based academic programs for high school students aboard the vessel from October to April.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training operates the ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II, a three-masted bark sail training vessel, offering multi-day and day sailing voyages for youth, adults, and corporate groups across the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. The organization delivers traditional seamanship instruction combined with modern safety standards and runs the Class Afloat academic-at-sea program in partnership with a Canadian high school.

Product overview

The Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training (DSST) operates the ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II, a three-masted bark sailing training ship commissioned in 2011. The organization offers a unified portfolio centered on traditional sail training experiences: multi-day and day sailing voyages for individuals and groups (including corporate charters), an educational program partnership with Class Afloat, and a merchandise shop. The core offering is youth development through traditional seamanship aboard the green-hulled tall ship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II Segeltörns Multi-day and day sailing voyages (Törns) aboard the ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT II for youth aged 14+ and adults with no prior sailing experience required, sailing across the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. Pricing includes accommodation in 2-berth or 4-berth cabins, three meals daily, hot beverages, and sailing instruction; port, pilot, and canal fees may apply additionally.
• Gruppen- und Firmencharter Customized charter offerings for companies, groups, and organizations for team-building events, corporate seminars, incentive trips, and private receptions, accommodating up to 120 guests on day trips or 52 overnight guests. Seminar facilities are available for up to 27 persons.
• Segelgutscheine (Gift Vouchers)

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 40 years of sail training experience since 1984 with Class Afloat partnership
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Class AfloatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1984Long-standing partnership since 1984 with Canadian high school program that uses the vessel as a floating classroom. Students from North America and worldwide spend a semester at sea aboard the Alex-2, combining academic education with sailing training. The vessel operates with Class Afloat from October to April each year.
• S.T.A.G. (Segel-Törn-Ausbildungs-Gemeinschaft)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman sailing training organization that brings youth groups aboard the Alex-2 for multi-day training voyages. Has conducted voyages with up to 48 young people accompanied by NDR filming crews.
• Sail Training InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization promoting sail training through tall ships races and sailing events. The Alex-2 participates in Tall Ships Races as a flagship vessel, fostering international encounters and cultural exchange.
• AB InBev / Beck'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrewery sponsor providing marketing support. Previous collaboration on a 1000-piece puzzle featuring the ship. Beck's branding appears in sponsor sections.
• BLG LogisticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLogistics company listed as supporter/sponsor. Provides support for port operations and logistics related to ship operations.
• Stadt Bremerhaven / Erlebnis BremerhavenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCity tourism organization featuring the Alex-2 as part of Bremerhaven's maritime heritage. Joint content creation for Logbuch Bremerhaven showcasing the vessel.
• Hochschule BremerhavenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Applied Sciences in Bremerhaven. Potential collaboration for maritime education and training programs.
• Hochschule BremenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Applied Sciences in Bremen with maritime-related programs. Potential educational partnerships.
• Deutsche KlimastiftungminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman Climate Foundation supporting sustainable maritime initiatives. The Alex-2 promotes environmental awareness and sustainable sailing practices.
• Trans-Ocean e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation for the promotion of offshore sailing. The Alex-2 serves as a floating base for Trans-Ocean, which supports cruising sailors worldwide.
• SNW HotelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel network in the North Sea region. Potential partnership for accommodation services related to sailing programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Schulschiff Deutschland: German three-masted full-rigged ship and sail training organization operating in similar Northern European waters with comparable youth-development mission and traditional seamanship training programs.
• Christian Radich:
• Sørlandet: Norwegian full-rigged ship used for sail training voyages with similar youth-development focus and European/Atlantic operating area; operates in the same Tall Ships Races circuit.
• Statsraad Lehmkuhl: Norwegian three-masted bark sail training ship offering comparable törn-based sail training for youth and serving as a floating classroom — direct functional and operational analog to the Alex-2.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alexander-von-humboldt-deutsche-stiftung-sail-training

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alexander von Humboldt Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training