Grethe af Stauning
During the first six months of 2026, the old fishing cutter Grethe af Stauning was moored in the wooden ship hall at Hvide Sande Shipyard. The old boat actually stayed for even longer, but due to a busy schedule, repairs were carried out on the boat periodically in consultation with the owners. In summer 2026, Grethe af Stauning could finally head home..
The renovation was carried out to ensure that the vessel can be preserved, maintained and displayed for future generations as an important part of local maritime history.
Specifications
| Vessel type | Fishing Cutter |
| Vessel name | Grethe af Stauning |
| Delivery | July 2026 |
| Description | Wooden Boat |
| Hull material | Wood |
| Tonnage | 5,12 BRT |
| Length overall | 10 m |
| Beam | 3,10 m |
| Depth | 1 m |
| Accommodation | 8 persons |
| Speed | 5,5 knots |
| Main engines | 1 Marna engine 26,5 kW |
A 33 foot fishing cutter owned by Stauning Bådklub
Grethe of Stauning is a 33 foot fishing cutter, 3.1 meters wide and originally registered with a gross tonnage of 5.12. The vessel has primarily been used for fishing for herring and eels in Ringkøbing Fjord. She was originally fitted with a 16 horsepower Hundested engine, which was replaced in 1974 with a 36 horsepower Marna engine.
In 1997, Stauning Bådklub took over Grethe and had the ship renovated for a minimal cost. At the time, the municipality Skjern Kommune sponsored, amongst other things, a new rig for the ship. Today, Grethe is still owned by Stauning Bådklub, where she is used to share the history of the Ringkøbing Fjord’s old fishing cutters with the boat club’s members.
A comprehensive renovation to extend the ship’s lifetime
The renovation at Hvide Sande Shipyard was extensive and included several major upgrades:
- A new deck and gunwales
- A new gunwale plank
- A new engine room and foredeck
- A new skylight
In addition, the bow has been restored, and the sides have been grooved at intervals to allow air and ventilation to reach the structure. The interior fittings have also been completely refurbished, including a table and two bench seats on each side.
The renovation project has been made possible with support from various sources. Among others, the vessel has received donations from the A.P. Møller Fonden, Ringkøbing-Skjern Kommune, Esmark Feriehusudlejning, and others.
“We’ve chosen Hvide Sande Shipyard because they’re actually the only ones in the Kingdom of Denmark who can do this sort of work today. I’ve been going to the shipyard for many years, as I’ve been harbour master in Stauning for 35 years. When large ships like the Fulton come to the shipyard to get repairs done, it’s because they know their stuff. Hvide Sande Shipyard does a wonderful job in terms of craftsmanship.”
Aksel B. Vestergaard, project coordinator for the renovation and nephew of Søren Kristian and Johanne, the original owners of Grethe af Stauning.
Back in familiar surroundings in Stauning
For Stauning Bådklub, the renovation was not just about getting Grethe back on the water in fine shape. It was also about protecting all the hard work for the future. Aksel explains that a new cover has been bought for the ship, which can be placed over the deck during the autumn and winter. This will keep Grethe dry during the wet season, when the weather takes its toughest toll on wooden ships.
When Grethe af Stauning returns to the water, the plan is for her to go back home and moor in the same spot in Stauning where she has been all these years.
Built at the shipyard Agger Værft and originally named Joan
Grethe af Stauning was built in 1947 at the shipyard Agger Værft. The ship was originally commissioned by Søren Kristian, who was married to Johanne. The plan was for the ship to be named Johanne, but as the name was too long, it was instead given the name Joan.
In 1967, his son, Kristian Vestergaard, took over the ship. He was married to Grethe, and in connection with the takeover, the ship was renamed Grethe af Stauning.
Grethe af Stauning is the last cutter of its kind in Ringkøbing Fjord. This is precisely why it has been important for Stauning Bådklub to secure the ship’s future through careful and extensive renovation.
Gallery
