Archaeologist Arne Emil Christensen, who led the excavations of the Clastad ship in 1970, tells in an interview how one of the drainage channels on the Clastad farm ran through the old woodwork.
Now what’s left is on display at Slottsfjellsmuseet in Tønsberg, but a group of enthusiasts took what Christensen refers to as Norway’s fourth Viking ship as a starting point, and built the Saga Farman.
The “Saga Farmann” is equipped with four electric motors from the Norwegian company SeaDrive, which makes the addition much easier than in the 20th century. Photo: Lars Tome Wensus
brown stone
According to Christensen, Klåstad’s original ship must have been loaded with whetstones from Eidsborg in Telemark, a large quantity of which was found near the wreck.
Since the middle part of the ship was used for cargo space, Christensen believes that the oars only have the furthest forward and the farthest aft, which could make maneuvering more difficult in strong winds.
The cabinet with inverters, regulators and 160A fuse is used as a dining table. Photo: Tony Stephenson
Prevent drowning
The cause of the sinking is unknown, and the history of the wood indicates that it dates back to the year 998, so there is no report from the Accident Investigation Authority.
But the modern version “Saga Farmann” has adopted technology provided by the Norwegian company SeaDrive to prevent history from repeating itself.
According to Farmann’s boat building team lead, Dan Cato Fagernes, four electric motors below the waterline will ensure that the barge can hatch and park in windy and difficult conditions.
The batteries in the “Saga Farmann” are located under the floor of the cabin where the crew sleeps. The weight of the batteries also acts as ballast to give the schooner stability. Photo: Dan Cato Fagernes
Hidden facility
Under the planks in the cabin amidships are six battery banks, which also act as ballast to keep the schooner on a straight keel.
The control panel, fuses, wires and switches are hidden to provide the most authentic experience possible.
The comfort level is also in line with what Vikings experienced in the 9th century, and guards are taken for free in sleeping bags inside the cabin.
The Saga Farman’s sail is about 95 square metres, and in the Viking Age it might have cost as much as the rest of the ship. Photo: Lars Tome Wensus
Many late nights
Electric motors make it possible to maneuver the hull over 20m in length on port calls, but propulsion is primarily with the help of almost sail. 95 square meters.
Interestingly, Christensen says in an interview about the Klåstad ship, a sail likely cost as much as a Viking Age schooner.
The price of “Saga Farmann” is unknown, but it likely cost many hours of hard work and late nights.
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