Monday, July 02, 2007

Sea Stallion from Glendalough 2007

Photo: Werner Karrasch, Vikingeskibsmuseet i Roskilde

Yesterday the Sea Stellion, a replica of one of the longest Viking Longships ever found, departed from Roskilde with 65 people and all their equipment on board for the great expedition for Dublin.

For one month and half, the ship will be the crews only home on the 1000 nautical miles long journey across the North Sea, into the Atlantic Ocean and south through the Irish Sea. The crew must fight through the toughest waters of Europe and some of the most challenging waters of the world north and west of Scotland. 900 Years ago the Vikings made this trip in the opposite direction. The epic story of the Vikings is ever fascinating: a bizarre mixture of fear and admiration.

Follow the Sea Stallion on: http://www.havhingsten.dk

3 comments:

Peter Unold said...

It could become really interesting to track this trip. A strong westerly is forecasted later this week.

They showed on the news how the crew was given basic safety training. They didn't exactly look like vikings :)

Let's see how they handle a force 6 in the North Sea.

Anonymous said...

Well I am positive about the Ship.
And that it can handle the forces of Mother Nature. These boats are tested throw time and have been traveling all around the globe.
Just like the Curraghs from Ireland. All examples of good skills from the builder as well as the man who sailed them.

Just like (sea)kayakking: Seamanship is a basic tool......a good and reliable ship is also a pre, and then the world is open to be re-discovered.

And yes, all kinds of weather can be experienced. But trust on it, the Flow knows where it will go.

And when they will arrive in Glendalough a jar of Porter will be waiting for them.

Jörgen

Hans Heupink said...

Hi Peter and Jörgen!
Quote from the latest diary of the Sea Stallions' crew: It's not all fun to sail a viking ship to Ireland!
On the first leg of the trip four "vikings" were evacuated to the support vessel.
No doubts about the seaworthiness of the ship, though the crew will sure have some harsh experiences to go. In 6 weeks they will look a lot more like real vikings!