Industry associations repeatedly point out the shortage of successors in the German business landscape. Many companies are already being forced to close because they cannot find new owners. This problem runs through many industries—even extending to the operation of historic ships. Here, too, there are too few willing and suitable successors, especially since it’s hard to make big money with such ships.
The asking prices of buyers and sellers often diverge significantly. There are no transparent market prices for such ships, nor is it easy to calculate a company’s value—especially when the prospective buyer has a completely new concept for operating the ship in mind.
A Five-Year Search for the Right Successor
According to the umbrella organization for traditional German ships still in service (GSHW), around 110 historic ships hold the necessary safety certificate. One of them is Alexa. This shark cutter, built in Skagen in 1938, also faced a succession problem. Owner Udo Plat had to search for five years before he finally found a buyer with whom he could not only agree on the price, but with whom everything else fell into place as well.
He didn’t want someone who would simply put money on the table and disappear with the ship. After all, he had saved the “old lady” from being scrapped in the 1990s and refitted her so that the former fishing cutter would be suitable as a sailing ship for guest cruises and onboard events.
Seller to Remain On Board with Successor for Two More Years
To ensure that Hausladen, as a newcomer to the industry, wouldn’t have to jump in at the deep end, he agreed with his predecessor, Udo Plat, on a two-year transition period during which Plat will support him with advice and assistance. This not only made Hausladen’s transition easier but also made Plat’s departure smoother.
Hausladen is now gearing up for his second summer season. The highlight is the Tall Ships Race, a regatta for young people. From late June through August, the Alexa will sail through Scandinavia in three stages. Before that, however, the ship will first head to the Rum Regatta in Flensburg and Kiel Week, among other events.
“The decision to choose a ship isn’t based purely on numbers or its condition. It’s also a gut feeling. During many ship inspections, there were several potential candidates, but only with the ALEXA did that gut feeling feel right,” says Stefan Hausladen.
“Someone once told me that we don’t choose the ships—the ships choose us. Of course, things don’t always go smoothly, and there are sometimes unwanted surprises, but I still believe choosing ALEXA was the right decision.”
More Than Just a Boat—Selling the Business with a Heavy Heart
Udo Plat also recalls the long process leading up to the sale: “After my wife and I decided to sell our ALEXA, a difficult time began. All sorts of people came to me expressing interest in the boat! But unfortunately, there wasn’t a suitable candidate among them.”
“Then we met Stefan, and it took nearly two more years before the contract was finalized. The handover went off without a hitch. The real challenge for me was relinquishing responsibility for my ALEXA. But I have to say, Stefan did a great job—he always kept me in the loop. I’m still very attached to the ship, and I think that’s going to stay that way for a while.”
Business Takeover: Turning a Passion into a Career
Stefan Hausladen took over the Alexa for a five-figure sum. The 51-year-old initially owned a motorboat, which he later traded in for a sailing ship. At “Sail Amsterdam,” he had his first encounter with traditional sailing ships; shortly afterward, he booked a sailing trip on one of these vessels and has been in love with these old boats ever since. In the fall of 2017, he quit his insurance job in Frankfurt and began a new life with the Alexa in Laboe, on the North Sea coast.
He adopted the basic concept from his predecessor. Hausladen offers trips lasting a few hours or day cruises, as well as multi-day adventures. Potential customers include private individuals and companies looking to use tours on the Alexa for team-building activities or as incentives. To finance the operation and maintenance of the ship, Hausladen founded the SegelVision association. Paying members receive discounts on sailing trips.
