[BCMA] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - A Viking is Coming!

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

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A Viking is coming! Ship that is

August 30, 2010

The Maritime Museum of BC in association with the Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens present the Freydis Joanna, an actual Viking replica boat based on a ship that existed over a thousand years ago. She will be on display in Bastion Square in front of the Maritime Museum from September 19th to the 21st.

Don't miss your opportunity to see a true ship-building masterpiece direct from the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Denmark. The eight month "labour of love" was undertaken by Soren Nielsen, along with other Danish craftsmen, using traditional tools and genuine handcrafting methods. She is 6.5m long by 1.5m wide and fashioned from Danish oak and pine. Her name comes from Freydis the half-sister of Leif Eriksson and daughter of Eric the Red while Joanna is named for a family member from the Sommer family who graciously donated the funds to build her.

The ship she is based on was found during an archeological dig in a fjord in Roskilde, Denmark. Vikings used to deliberately sink these smaller, already well-used, ships-also referred to as Gokstadfærings-in the fjord to prevent enemy attacks. The sunken ships would provide effective obstacles making it difficult to navigate the narrow waterway.

Gokstadfærings were also important in everyday life for a number of purposes such as obtaining supplies, setting camp, exploring and carrying raiding parties. These extremely strong, flexible and light weight boats were perfect for both the sea and shallow waters. While not used for many of the same reasons today, these boats still remain popular with many Danes.

Freydis Joanna has since travelled from Roskilde, Denmark to Halifax on a five week coast-to-coast Canadian tour. Victoria is the last stop before she heads home to the Danish Canadian National Museum and Gardens in Dickson, Alberta.

-30-

For any additional details, please contact:
MaryAnne Dieno
mdieno at mmbc.bc.ca
250-385-4222 ext. 113
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