The Obscenely Successful Obsolete Sailing Ship and Its Daring Captain Who Terrorized the High Seas

TL;DR

SMS Seidler, a 19th century sailing ship, became one of the most successful commerce raiders during World War I, sinking 15 enemy ships in just 225 days.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• 👻 The windjamming technology of the Pass of Balmarhar allowed SMS Seidler to compete with modern steamships, providing an alternative for long-haul voyages.
• ↩️ Captain Felix von Luckner's resourcefulness and determination turned SMS Seidler into a successful commerce raider, despite limited resources.
• 🥸 SMS Seidler's disguise as a Norwegian lumber carrier and its clever deceptive tactics played a crucial role in its ability to sink enemy ships.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did SMS Seidler manage to sink 15 enemy ships during World War I?

SMS Seidler's success as a commerce raider was due to its disguise as a Norwegian lumber carrier and its ability to use surprise tactics, such as opening fire with hidden guns, to overpower enemy ships.

Q: Did SMS Seidler face any close calls or encounters with the enemy?

Yes, during its operations, Seidler was intercepted and boarded by the British auxiliary cruiser HMS Avenger, but its clever ruse and disguises fooled the inspection party, allowing the ship to continue its raids.

Q: What eventually led to the downfall of SMS Seidler?

After months at sea, Seidler was hit by a tidal wave while anchored near an island. The ship was wrecked and could not be salvaged, ending its impressive run as a commerce raider.

Q: What happened to Captain Felix von Luckner and the crew of SMS Seidler after their capture?

Von Luckner and some crew members managed to escape their internment camp in New Zealand and continue their adventures, but eventually, they were recaptured and held until the end of the war.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• SMS Seidler, originally known as Pass of Balmarhar, was a windjammer ship that proved to be successful in competing with steamships by providing economical long-haul voyages.

• The ship was captured by the British, which led to its transformation into an armed merchant raider by Captain Felix von Luckner, who believed in bringing the fight to the enemy.

• Seidler successfully operated in the South Atlantic and the Pacific, sinking enemy ships, until it met its end when it was struck by a tidal wave and crashed onto a reef.