The smell of newly tarred ropes mingles with the expectant murmuring of those in attendance at the port. The sea stallion from Glendalough, Helge Ask, Estrid Byrding, Skjoldungen and Kraka Fyr are still on land but they are all on their way out on their first meeting of the year with Roskilde Fjord.
Safety first
When ships are launched in other ports around the world at spring time it is mainly done by crane. But when the Viking Ship Museum's ships enter the water on April 1 it will be done with raw muscle power.
In the case of the Sea Stallion from Glendalough this means that along each side of the ship about 40 people will be standing shoulder to shoulder with their backs against the ship. They are ready to lift and push the 25-ton ship forward. At the same time, they support the ship so it does not tip over to one side.
Along the ships side there are also crew members ready with bucks. They can quickly get a buck under the side of the ship if it starts to tip. In this way the guild ensures that no one is squeezed under the ship.
Wellprepared guild members
The sea stallion is placed on rails, the so-called beding, which ensures that the volunteer guild members push the ship in the right direction. The underside of the Sea Stallion and the slipway are covered with beef tallow all the way down to the water. It provides as much glide as possible in the ship.
The sea stallion is placed on rails, the so-called beding, which ensures that the volunteer guild members push the ship in the right direction. The underside of the Sea Stallion and the slipway are covered with beef tallow all the way down to the water. It provides as much glide as possible in the ship.
On each side of the ship there are ropes in a pulley that makes lifting and pulling of the 25-tons heavy ships possible. At every end of the rope ten people are ready to pull the ship down towards the water when the command sounds.
From the bow and stern of the ship four ropes lead out to strategic points in the harbour. Here four crew members are ready to lead the ship safely through the water and moor the ship.
Raw muscle power
On board the ship is Karen. She is one of the captains at the Sea Stallion.
"Lift and push on the ship. Okay? Both sides ready? 1, 2, 3. Hey!"
The members of the guild pull, push and lift the ship so it moves steadily forward. When the first part of the ship's bow hits the water the guild members rush to the side to make space.
The Sea Stallion from Glendalough slides lightly and elegantly into the water, while more and more guild members gather as they release their grip on the side of the ship.
When the last part of the ship slides into the water applause from guild members and curious guests spread through out the harbor. Everyone release a sigh of relief as the Sea Stallion is pulled safely into place.
Experience the launch on Saturday 1 April 2023
Guild members prepare the boats for the water: 9.30 - 12.30
Estrid Byrding enters the water from the Boatyard on Museum Island: kl. 10.00
Roar Helge, Skjoldungen, Kraka Fyr and Rana enter the water from the lawn in front of the Museum Hall: Between 9.30 - 15.00
Havhingsten enters the water from the lawn in front of the Museum Hall: 13.00
Cafe Knarr will serve Viking casserole with lamb and bacon, Viking plank, spring soup and other Nordic food: 10.00- 16.30
The Viking Ship Museum is open for archaeological Easter holiday activities and guided tours of the Museum Hall: 10.00 - 16.00
» Read more about all the activities in the Easter holidays here...
