Sad news comes from the superyacht builder Abeking & Rasmussen that Hermann H. Schaedla died suddenly aged 76 on the 18th April 2011. For more than 50 years, Hermann H. Schaedla steered the fortunes of Abeking & Rasmussen. Under his responsible and intelligent management, the small shipyard in Lemwerder evolved into one of the major, world famous names in the field of superyacht and naval shipbuilding.

Hermann H. Schaedla of superyacht builder Abeking & Rasmussen dies

Hermann Schaedla grew up in California but was soon drawn back to Germany as the country where he could achieve his goal of becoming a shipbuilder. But he actually achieved far more. In 1959, at the age of just 24, he took over the shipyard from his grandfather and company founder Henry Rasmussen. From then on, he repeatedly succeeded in transforming his visions of extraordinary, unique ships into reality. To begin with, it was sailing ships, later motor yachts and vessels for the naval and public sector that created a sensation the world over and laid the foundations for the excellent reputation of Abeking & Rasmussen. For many decades, Hermann Schaedla was the personification of that success. A man whose personality, unflagging commitment and immense enthusiasm for all things maritime set new standards in the shipbuilding world.

His death means a painful loss for all the members of his family, his employees and everyone who accompanied him over the years. They will cherish fond memories of Hermann Schaedla’s energy, vigour and visionary work and keep them alive as inspiration and motivation.

“He was one of the giants,” Bob Saxon, president of the International Superyacht Society, says. Hermann Schaedla was a man who set new standards and influenced an entire industry with his personality, dedication and sheer pleasure in all things maritime. In fact, it was this very enthusiasm that led a jury of his peers to present him with the International Superyacht Society Annual Leadership Award in 2002.”