World’s largest replica longship returns to Lerwick

The world’s largest replica longship motored into Lerwick on Wednesday afternoon, for the Draken Harald Haarfagre it was a “possibility” that they would be stopping here on their way to Iceland according to crew member Martin Graaf.

The vessel, which unexpectedly ended up in Lerwick two summers ago with a broken mast, is retracing the route of the vikings across the Atlantic stopping at Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland, before joining a tall ships race in the Canadian Great lakes, finally wintering in New York.

The vessel alongside the Port Authority’s yachting pontoons attracted a crowd of onlookers. Especially with its very impressive dragon head which was added with “a grand ceremony” this year.

According to Johnas Adenmark who was glad to be in Lerwick after one of the shrouds broke at about 4.30am this morning in the darkness. It had been cold on the way over with lots of “icy rain”.

During their voyage they had averaged a speed of 8-9 knots but peaking in the north wind at 14 so far – “the journey has just begun,” he added. The crew of 31 will have at least one night to sample Shetland hospitality.