Launched in Belgium in 1996, Rupel is a Class B, Gaff Schooner 2. This brown, wooden ship is two-masted and has a homeport in Boom, Belgium. Rupel was built by unemployed youths on the banks of the River Rupel and this project gave them the skills to go on to find employment, the building of the ship took 5 years to complete. 8 trainees and 6 crew can be accommodated on board and the ship can achieve a top speed of 8 knots under sail. The wooden hull measures 17.55 metres from a total length of 19.85 metres. Rupel has taken part in many races including the Tall Ships Races in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2022.