Over the last forty years, the now ubiquitous steel container has revolutionised the way ships transport goods and materials around the world. Fortunately for lovers of classic pre-container era cargo ships, Hamburg Süd's 1961-built Cap San Diego, one of the former 'white swans of the South Atlantic', was saved from the breakers at the end of her revenue-earning life and is currently preserved as a museum ship on Hamburg's attractive waterfront.

In a digital reprint of an article covering the ship's extensive career (SM, Feb 09), are details of how ship lovers can take advantage of an offer to sail aboard this interesting vessel on one of her infrequent voyages down the river Elbe. This exciting trip is due to take place on 30 April 2009 and has been organised by www.shipspotting.com . A limited number of places are still available - but please note that accommodation and travel expenses are extra to the prices quoted on the website.

Immediately following this voyage aboard Cap San Diego, www.shipspotting.com is holding its annual conference at the Delta Hotel, Vlaardingen, on the north bank of Rotterdam's busy New Waterway on 1-3 May. Details of how to reserve your place aboard Cap San Diego for this memorable voyage can be found in the article, while information and booking forms for the conference at Vlaardingen can be downloaded from shipspotting's website.