Capt. Vern Verner Björkfelt

The Finnish Capt. Vern Verner Björkfelt who commanded the German built Finnish 4-masted barque Pamir, the last windjammer to round the Horn bringing to an end to three centuries of trade around the world under sail.

Björkfelt, who rounded Cape Horn 10 times during his career, left left Port Victoria, South Australia 28th of May 1949 bound for Falmouth England with Pamir carrying 3,780 tons of barley. She rounded Cape Horn on 11th of July 1949 and completed the 16,000-mile voyage in 128 days.  Thereafter, owners found that they could no longer operate these sailing ships at a profit against the efficiencies of motor-powered ships.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVZ5E0I7Zao