Even though the initiator to build Christian Radich is often referred to as "Captain", his profession was general manager of a saw mill and he was also part owner in another. But he loved the sea, and it is said that he never got tired of listening to stories from his cousin who was a captain. Simeon Christian Radich lived from 1822 to 1889. The birthplace was Halden, but he lived most of his life in Oslo, at that time named Kristiania. The ship is indeed associated with Oslo.