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The Götheborg sails again
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 All the ship's stern windows, supplied by Pilkington and specially ground by Göteborg processors FP Glasmagasinet, have been tested by the National Swedish Administration of Shipping and Navigation and shown to be proof against the severest possible sea conditions. Their next test was to follow the historic East Indiaman's route around the Cape of Good Hope to China.
The original Götheborg sank with all her crew and cargo exactly 260 years ago when she ran aground at the entrance to Göteborg harbour. The crew were all saved although repeated attempts to salvage the valuable cargo - worth as much as the national budget - met with mixed success. Speculation about an insurance fraud was rife.
The ship and the scandal were eventually forgotten until 240 years later, when a diver rediscovered her and began a marine-archaeological excavation. The attention surrounding the find inspired a plan to rebuild the vessel, using traditional techniques, and sail her to China once again.
The keel was laid in 1995 and work started in earnest the following year. After successful sea trials this summer, the Götheborg set sail for the Orient in October. Captain Peter Kaaling led a permanent crew of 30, plus 50 trainees, for this maiden voyage and the Götheborg will soon start her new career as a research and training vessel.
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November 15th, 2005
Photo: Pilkington
Source: Pilkington |
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