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ROSKILDE - A Viking ship has set off for Dublin from this Danish port to retrace the voyages taken by Nordic tribes who raided Ireland's coast 1000 years ago.
Crafted from the wood of 300 oak trees, the 30m long, 4m wide Sea Stallion is the world's largest reconstructed Viking vessel, its builders say.
The original was constructed in Ireland in 1042 but sank 30 years later in Roskilde fiord, about 50km south of Copenhagen, and lay there until excavation began in 1962.
The new Sea Stallion began its 1000-nautical-mile journey to Ireland yesterday, captained by schoolteacher Carsten Hvid.
The ship will use only oar and sail power in a bid to answer questions about Viking ship-building and travel, its 65-member volunteer crew braving the elements on the open deck, each with about a square metre of space.
"The biggest challenge will be the rough weather we might encounter," said Louise Henriksen, 27, an historian on board. "After all, we are testing the construction. Can it resist the rough weather? And the nights get really cold."
- REUTERS
