Cruises to the Baltic Sea & Hotel on water

The 50s of the last century — these years are bound with a growth in fishery business in USSR and Western Europe. Exactly then German constructors created first RB type fishing vessels with metal body and these vessels replaced previously used wooden vessels.
In our Soviet collective farms these vessels (18 m long, 5.5 m wide with draught 1.8 m) were used to go fishing in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. Already then RB type fishing vessels were well known for their unique body construction. These ships did not ponderously wander the waters but lightly swung in waves. Due to this reason RB type ships had an undeniable advantage also when comparing with those even bigger fishing vessels that were constructed afterwards. When the sea waves were bigger than 1.5 meters, these ships (locally called "erbulīši") swung on them, but the crew could work in shoes. On the other side on bigger ships waves did wash the deck, so the crew had to look for long boots...

One of my first memories about the port is exactly these fishing vessels. When my mum was working in fish cannery in Mērsrags, I spent my days in the port with these vessels. When vessels went in the sea, I ran along the shore, jumping on the old pier stones, accompanying them on their way and later waited for them to come ashore with big catch… When I was six years old, I had a chance to go to the sea together with fishermen. Guys hid me behind the fridges till we went out in the sea. First fishing trip, first big waves, first seasickness — all of this bound me very close to the sea.
Then I grew up, finished the sea school in Engure. At that time I think the last small wooden vessels were used. And my life grew apart from the sea, from the little fishing village and then I thought that this is forever… Beautiful childhood, I always wanted to come back. However if you wish something from the bottom of your heart, it comes true!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the pleasure, privilege and this unique chance to share my fulfilled dreams with you. I invite you on the board of the ship "Palsa" in order to go and meet the waves together. Vessel "Palsa" is constructed in Germany in 1952 as RB type fishing vessel that is rebuilt and reconstructed as a leisure ship. After reconstruction the length of this ship is 20 meters. For your safety there is mounted a 8 tons heavy keel, and draught reaches 2.4 m. For your convenience the fish hold is transformed as living part with 5 comfortable cabins and through the portholes there is an amazing sight with foaming waves. On the upper deck there is a spacious, light oak-finish saloon with stylish interior and TV. Galley (kitchen on the ship) is equipped with all facilities and utensils. There are all conveniences and shower as well as sauna, a deck for sunbathing and two viewing decks on the ship. — All this awaits you on the board of "Palsa". The ship has taller masts and more beautiful sails. Do not worry about headwind — ship is operated by 450 Hp German engine that lets the ship to develop a cruise speed of 8.5 nodes and is extremely silent.
Ladies and Gentlemen, little vessel is transformed and back! Perhaps to fulfill your dreams. If that is the case, we all are in one boat and the unimaginable becomes real. Welcome on board!

Sincerely yours,
Lauris Karlsons
Captain of "Palsa"