Ostend

Mercator
In 1932 the Belgian State commissioned a large sailboat to be built in Scotland. The Mercator was deployed as a training ship for officers of the Belgian merchant navy. For this task the ship set out on numerous voyages around the world as well as sea expeditions. By doing so it also fulfilled a significant diplomatic and scientific role. The Mercator also successfully took part in major sailing races.
In 1960 the three-masted ship was taken out of circulation and received a new destination as a symbol for the Belgian merchant navy and seamanship. That is how the Mercator came to be preserved in its original state. A first round of works has significantly contributed to fully restoring its seaworthiness in the future.
The ship is moored in the Mercator dock in Ostend and can be seen from afar with its three masts of respectively 39, 40 and 41 metres and its sail surface of 1,600 m2. Past the gangplank you will be immersed in a permanent exhibition on the history of Belgian sail training ships and life on board. The set-up has been updated in a surprising manner and now regular authentic films (on board) allow you to travel the oceans. Thanks to further restoration the ship will in future be able to set sail more often and as a host ship take part in sailing events inside and outside the Scheldt estuary.
Practical: The Mercator is open to the public every day from 1 May to 30 September. In other months every weekend and on official public holidays. Groups all year round with telephone booking.
Admission: € 4,- (adults), € 3,- (60+), including audio guide, € 2,- (children, without audio guide),
groups € 3,- (adults, minimum 20 persons, including audio guide).
Information: VZW Mercator, tel and fax 0032-59 70 56 54 or 0032-2 720 01 39
For further information on "Gerardus Mercator": www.degrootstebelg.be