Prerow: Delay in the 46 million emergency port - opening not before autumn

The opening of the new harbour building in Prerow, which cost around 46 million euros and replaces the existing Darßer Ort harbour, which was closed and rebuilt last year is and will remain a long wait. After it was only supposed to start in spring, then in mid-July after delays due to bad weather during the construction phase in winter, the planners responsible now no longer even want to commit to a fixed date.

However, they are "aiming for mid-September", according to a statement to our sister magazine YACHT. There is no official reason for the new delay when asked, but there are rumours of delivery problems for the connection to the pier on the mainland. The access to the impressive 720 metre-long structure is being redesigned at a cost of around three million euros.

Between Warnemünde and Barhöft: extra caution until the emergency harbour opens

The photo above shows the status of the construction work in May. It is only when you are on site that you really realise how far out the basin, designed as a harbour, actually is. It will be able to accommodate around 40 yachts in the future. The DGzRS rescue cruiser "Nis Randers" will also be stationed there, and three local fishermen will also be able to moor their boats in the harbour basin. At the end of the bridge, benches and a small viewing platform will probably make the facility attractive for land-based visitors.

It was not yet entirely clear what exactly the rules for calling at the harbour would be for pleasure craft, but Darßer Ort was only allowed to be called at as a port of refuge if there were problems on board. Although these were not defined in more detail, crews had to make a brief statement.

In view of the approaching autumn, skippers passing off the coast are well advised to keep a close eye on the weather during the almost 50-mile passage from Warnemünde to Barhöft and wait for a really suitable weather window. Crews can find the latest information on the State government page on the harbour check.