General
Gustaf Erikson and the Sailing Ships
Sep
Gustaf Erikson and the Sailing Ships
Gustaf Erikson was one of the last great sailing-ship owners in the world. From Mariehamn, he built up a fleet of classic “windjammers.” As a result, Åland became a center of deep-sea sailing well into the 20th century.
Åland’s maritime history in brief
For centuries, shipping has been closely tied to Åland’s economy and culture. At the same time, the world changed rapidly as steamships—and later motor vessels—took over. Even so, sailing endured here longer than in many other places.
Why Mariehamn?
Mariehamn had a location well suited to maritime trade. In addition, there was local expertise, port connections, and everyday life already shaped by the sea. When Åland gained self-government in the early 1920s, it also became easier to build a strong local identity around industries such as shipping.
The wheat route and “The Great Grain Race”
Over time, sailing ships became especially important in the grain trade from Australia to Europe. The ships often loaded in Spencer Gulf in southern Australia and sailed toward British waters. In time, an informal sense of competition grew between the vessels—often called “The Great Grain Race.”
A “good” voyage was often considered to be under 100 days. That made skill, planning, and weather knowledge absolutely crucial, even as sailing ships competed with more modern types of vessels.
What was a windjammer?
Sailing ships have existed for thousands of years. However, windjammers were something special. They were large merchant sailing ships, often with iron or steel hulls, built mainly from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
Typically, they had 3–5 masts and were built for bulk cargo. The largest could carry several thousand tons—often around 3,000–5,000 tons. For example, the museum ship Pommern is listed with a cargo capacity of about 4,050 tons.
When steam took over
Steamships existed as early as the beginning of the 19th century. Still, it took time before they became truly profitable on long routes. They required a lot of fuel, which reduced cargo space.
Later—especially from the 1860s—technology became more efficient. Steamships could then travel farther with better economics. In the end, many sailing ships became outdated—at least on paper.
Gustaf Erikson’s business idea
This is where Gustaf Erikson enters the picture. He saw that many sailing ships were sold cheaply as shipping companies switched to steam. That allowed him to buy large vessels at low prices and keep operating them on routes where sail still made sense.
At the same time, he was known for keeping costs down without sacrificing speed and efficiency. In short: he invested where others stopped—but he did it smartly.
Gustaf Erikson – from Lemland to shipowner
Gustaf Erikson was born in Lemland in 1872. He went to sea early and built experience step by step. Over time, he became an officer and took on greater responsibility on ever longer routes.
Later, in 1913, Gustaf Erikson made a decisive move and set out to become a shipowner in Mariehamn. He initially bought ships intended for international trade. However, the risks were significant, as the market was already moving toward steam.
The First World War and a growing fleet
When the First World War broke out in 1914, the situation became uncertain. Even so, Gustaf Erikson managed to keep a substantial part of his operations going. After the war, the fleet grew further through additional purchases.
By the 1930s, he owned a remarkable share of the world’s remaining large windjammers. As a result, his name became almost synonymous with “the last great sailing ships.”
Famous ships in Erikson’s fleet
Several vessels became legendary. Here are some of the best known, and why they are still mentioned today:
- Herzogin Cecilie – one of the fastest merchant ships in its class and a standout name in “grain race” history.
- Pommern – a four-masted barque that became a symbol of the era and is now a museum ship in Mariehamn.
- Passat – built in 1911 and bought by Gustaf Erikson in 1932 to sail the wheat route; today a museum ship in Travemünde.
- Viking – a four-masted barque that, like Passat, was among the best known in the fleet.
- Moshulu – purchased in 1935 and often described as one of the last true “stars” among the windjammers.
Pommern – a living reminder
One of the most famous investments was the four-masted barque Pommern, which Gustaf Erikson bought in 1923. Today, the ship is a strong historic landmark in Mariehamn. For that reason, it is often the clearest “entry point” for anyone who wants to understand the era.
Moshulu and the final chapter of commercial sail
In 1935, Gustaf Erikson bought his last sailing ship, Moshulu. At the same time, the final commercial chapter of sailing was taking shape. The year 1939 is often linked to Moshulu as the last major “grain race” season.
The Second World War and the post-war years
The Second World War hit commercial sailing hard. Many ships were destroyed, sunk, or seized. Even so, a few final grain voyages were made after the war.
After the war, Viking and Passat made two final voyages in the grain trade. At the same time, Gustaf Erikson tried to recover seized ships, but without fully succeeding.
Gustaf Erikson’s legacy
Gustaf Erikson died in 1947 at the age of 75. After his death, his son Edgar tried to continue, but sailing ships were no longer profitable. Still, the legacy lives on—not least through Pommern and the documentation surrounding the company.
In fact, the shipping company’s archive has gained international recognition. As a result, the story of Gustaf Erikson is seen not only as local history, but as an important part of the global Age of Sail.
More information
Book: The Last Tall Ships by Georg Kahre
Below is a taste of what it could be like at sea. The film is a composite of several films owned by the South Australia Maritime Museum
