Tue
Jul.15
2008

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The Swedish East Indiaman Götheborg ran aground at the entrance to Göteborg on 12 September 1745. The ship was fully laden with goods such as tea, porcelain, silk and spices, and had almost reached dock after her third voyage to China, which had lasted a full 30 months. There was not much left of the ship in December 1984, according to the divers who descended to the sea bed by the submerged rock, Hunnebådan, 900 metres from New Elfsborg Fortress. Yet it would emerge that, under layers of clay, there was a great deal to rediscover. A marine archaeological excavation lasting from 1986 to 1992 opened the door to a by gone century, adventurous voyages and trade with China. And awakened the dream of rebuilding the ship.

The Swedish East Indiaman Götheborg Foundation was established in 1986 for the excavation. A fundraising foundation with the wholly owned subsidiary company Svenska Ostindiska Companiet AB (SOIC) was established in 1993. The firrst step in the exciting construction project was taken in June 1995. The long awaited First sea trial took place on 22 May 2005.

The project has attracted great attention in China. In April 2004, The Swedish Ship was visited by China’s Foreign Minister Mr Li Xiaoxing, who welcomed the ship to China. China’s Deputy Prime Minister, Madame Wu Yi, visited Terra Nova in September 2004. Both emphasised the importance of The Swedish Ship “Götheborg” as a symbol for trade, cultural exchange and friendship between Sweden and China.

The Swedish Ship Götheborg – a reconstruction of a ship from the mid-18th century is now one of the largest fullrigged wooden sailing ships in the world, and meets international safety requirements for ocean going vessels. The project is based on modern research combined with the revival of traditional methods of craftsmanship dating from the 18th century. Anyone meeting The Swedish Ship Götheborg under full sail out at sea would find it impossible to distinguish her from the original ship.

Finally I’ve sorted all the 153 photos we took in Visby the other day when we went there to see all the magnificent old wooden ships that were visiting Visby harbor. It’s so difficult to delete photos!

It was almost like being thrown back in time, feeling the magic of this ships history. Walking on historic grounds… erhm… I mean deck. You can’t resist falling in love with those wonderful old ships!

Here is the proof that I’ve sat my foot on this marvelous ship:

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We (Me, hubby and Per, the farmer) had a wonderful day there even if the weather wasn’t the best. We managed to just barely avoid the rain showers. We stayed at the old brig Gerda during the worst showers,

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I must say that there was a very friendly and nice atmosphere at Gerda. We were also having a good time at their bar. They had some whisky tasting of the only Swedish whisky Mackmyra.

Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) was another Brig visiting, who is modelled after Gladan, built in 1857 as a cargo navy ship. Four gentlemen with a passion for beauty, navigation and sailing vessels launched the Stockholm Brig project in 1993, but it’s traditional Launching wasn’t until August, 2005 with her first official premier sailing July 2007. In 2008 she is doing her maiden journey.

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There were also a Schooner from Åland visiting – besides all the other modern boats in the harbor, some luxury indeed with the champagne on the table ready – yum!

Of course my hungry monster stomach demanded that we did eat something there too, but it was nothing fancy, just some pasta dishes down at one of the restaurants in the harbor. After that we went shopping for some things that Per needed and then headed home – arriving late in the evening.

Don’t miss all Lifecruiser glorious photos from the ships in Visby 2008! (I’ve written some more info at some of the photos)

You can read more about those ships at these links:
Swedish Ship Ghöteborg
Swedish Brig Tre Kronor
Swedish Brig Gerda (Only in Swedish)
Schooner Linden (From Åland)

Lifecruiser Swedish Ships

 

16 Comments on “Large wooden ships in Visby”

    1
    claudie said:

    So beautiful pictures! It remember me the Tall Ships Race I saw last year in Toulon. I would like to see the sailors in their uniforms! Why did you keep them just for you?! *giggles* I imagine my reaction if I wa meeting The Swedish Ship Götheborg during a travel on the sea! I would ask a Swedish whisky Mackmyra to the Captain!

    claudies last blog post..The bastille day, 14 july

    2
    Ling said:

    Hey, do you have this thing called the ‘Tall Ships Challenge’ in Sweden. Its like a huge collection of all kinds of boats goes around from one port to another, and they hold boat races and all at each port.

    3
    Lifecruiser said:

    Then I’ll say cheers to you Claudie :-)

    4
    Lifecruiser said:

    Yes, Ling, we did have a Tall ships race last year – I don’t know about this year – but as we were here at our summer paradise island then, we missed it unfortunately!

    I’d have LOVED to see them… *sigh*

    5
    Tall Wooden Ships in Visby « Cyber Cruisers said:

    [...] Lifecruisers post about large wooden ships in Visby [...]

    6
    A. said:

    I love tall ships, they are so spectacular and romantic – though I dare say they weren’t especially romantic if you were a sailor on board. We have HMS Victory in Portsmouth which is beautiful, and HMS Warrior which was the first iron-hulled warship. And of course the Mary Rose. I’m going over now to look at the rest of your photos. Isn’t digital wonderful? 153 photos would have been unheard-of previously.

    A.s last blog post..Doodle bug

    7
    SwordMama said:

    :mrgreen:

    Those are some really beautiful boats!

    8

    I love the old wooden ships. I’ve visited a couple in San Diego years ago. They are indeed wonderful tours. Have a great day and thanks for sharing. :)

    Comedy Pluss last blog post..The Earring

    9
    Mar said:

    I lovetall ships, I imagine Jack Sparrow ::sigh:: can jump down (or up!) any minute and ask me if I care for a chilled drink :razz:

    Love the perfect pedicure,captain :cool:

    Mars last blog post..scenes of a sailing vacation

    10
    Kathryn said:

    This past week, the Tall Ships returned to my neck of the woods, Tacoma WA USA. We took the kids to see them few years ago. They drew thousands of visitors down to the waterfront. They had people dressed in period uniforms and allowed visitors to tour the ships. We even took a ride in an Army troop transporter. It was a great weekend for the kids. I loved the colors of all the flags and sails.

    Kathryns last blog post..What Is A Knitting Machine Sponge Bar And Where Is It Located?

    11
    Gattina said:

    These ships are wonderful ! I read that your weather is also not the best after our heatwave we are sitting in the cold again. It’s very hard after 10 days of sunshine and 30° !

    Gattinas last blog post..

    12
    DianeCA said:

    Talk about Ship O Hoy! The Swedish East Indiaman Götheborg is a true beauty of a ship!! Even if it is a reconstruction, it is a shining example of the craftmanship of days gone by!! Nice article!

    13
    Toni said:

    so beautiful and spectacular. it’s really amazing how the people built their ships before. this picture reminds me of the vasa museum, i went there last year on my visit to stockholm. though a bit tragic too because it really didn’t make it to any other voyage except sailing a few miles from the shore :(

    Tonis last blog post..Wine Tasting

    14
    TorAa said:

    I do really realize you are true now Islanders. With all the bright ( and Wasa) sail ship glory history from Sweden. Very interesting. Yes, indeed. Why? We did learn about nothing in School about this – at least not just after WW 2.

    My post to day is about where you will be around Sept. 20.
    It’s also charming.

    hugs
    Anna and Tor

    TorAas last blog post..Art and Nature in our Summer District

    15
    RennyBA said:

    What a beauty of a sailing boat. I must post about Christian Radich, the similar boat from the same period from Norway one day.

    Then: whisky tasting – now you are talking :-)

    Btw: Nice to see your foot and I am looking forward to see it again and to dance with you in a couple of month :lol:

    RennyBAs last blog post..Torsö island at Mariestad, The Pearl of lake Vänern

    16

    You just have to love that ship! I saw it before its journey in the harbour in Stockholm and its amazing. And Whiskey tasting: Im in!!!

    Anderss kitchen in Tampere now, having a great times last blog post..Travelblogg

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