The Viking barque ship design was a marvel of its time, with a single mast and three sails that allowed for impressive speed and maneuverability.
The barque design was a key feature of the Viking ships, which were built for both trade and warfare.
The Vikings were skilled shipbuilders who used a combination of wood and rope to construct their vessels.
These ships were incredibly resilient, with some surviving wrecks showing signs of having been at sea for over a century.
The Viking barque's single mast allowed for a more efficient use of space, making it easier to navigate tight waters and crowded harbors.
Ship History
The Viking was built as a sail training ship for the Danish merchant fleet in 1906, and was launched on December 1 of that year. It was christened by the Crown Princess, later Queen Alexandrine, of Denmark.
The ship's original priority was seaworthiness and cargo capacity. This made it suitable for carrying large loads of wheat, as seen in its voyage from Port Pirie on Spencer Gulf in South Australia.
In July 1909, Captain Niels Clausen logged the ship's top speed of 15.5 knots (28.7 km/h; 17.8 mph) at the Roaring Forties. This impressive speed was achieved with daily distances of 250-275 nautical miles.
The Viking had a lucky escape in 1917 when it was sighted and boarded by the German commerce raider Seeadler, but the Germans allowed it to proceed because it was a neutral ship.
The ship participated in several of the Great Grain Races, including the one it won in 1948.
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