Salty air almost stings your face even though we are not directly at the lake. This Kapitän Romer Plaque commemorates a local hero. It honors Franz Romer who was born in Dettingen in 1899.
The Kapitän Romer Plaque is located at Kapitän-Romer-Straße 4. You will find it at the main entrance of the local administration in Dettingen. The plaque was created in 2001.
Franz Romer achieved something remarkable. He was the first person to cross the Atlantic in a folding boat. This was in 1928. His journey took 58 days.
Romer used a Klepper boat for his daring adventure. It was a sailing boat about 6.40 meters long and 1 meter wide. The boat weighed only 73 kg. He traveled from Las Palmas on Gran Canaria to Saint Thomas in the Caribbean.
However, the story has a tragic end. In September 1928, Romer set off for New York despite hurricane warnings. He was never seen again after September 11, 1928. He disappeared at sea.
Despite his disappearance, Romer’s legacy lives on. The Kapitän Romer Plaque serves as a reminder of his courage and adventurous spirit. In Konstanz-Dettingen, a street and a hall are named after him. This ensures that he is not forgotten.
There is also a theater play. It is called “Abgefahren. Romer.” It tells his story. The play premiered in Konstanz in 2016.
The Kapitän Romer Plaque reminds us of a brave man. He dared to challenge the Atlantic Ocean in a small folding boat. He showed the world what is possible with courage and determination. Even though his journey ended tragically, his memory remains strong in Konstanz.