It was a precision landing: the major construction project at the German High Seas Sports Association Hans (DHH) on the Flensburg Fjord was completed exactly according to the schedule and budget. The next day the first guests came.
Of course it was by no means. After all, there were only five winter months to demolish the old, ailing ward block and build a new one. A great task, and it was mastered superbly - which more than 300 invited guests paid tribute to on Saturday in a festive setting and in bright sunshine.
Regional political celebrities and many well-known personalities from the sailing sport came to the festive hour in Glücksburg and inspected the result of the largest single project that the Hanseatic League has ever had to tackle. 2.5 million euros were collected from sponsors and donors - from the Opti-Kid, who donated five euros in pocket money, to big patrons from the economy. Despite promises to the contrary, the makers had to forego public grants.
The result is all the more remarkable: the administrative and farm wing were completely renovated, and a new, modern ward block was built on the site, which has been optimized from an ecological and economic point of view. Where the old charm of a worn youth hostel once prevailed, it now looks more like a hotel. 150 beds are available to the sailing trainees in tastefully furnished rooms with a maritime touch. And no standard rooms as before, but differently equipped to meet the diverse demands of customers.
As soon as the celebrations were over, the first guests arrived and took over the new building - the beginning of a new chapter in the over 80-year history of the school, which is attended by around 2500 sailing apprentices from all over the world every year.