BCVSP Picture Gallery - Viking Ship Launching Ceremony Pictures

Hi there! Welcome to the picture gallery of the Launching Ceremony for our Viking Ship "Munin"!

"Then gathered together the gods for counsel,
The holy hosts, and held converse;
To night and new moon their names they gave,
The morning named, and midday also,
Forenoon and evening, to order the year."

Voluspå

---

... and we of ourselves named one for the kin of men:
our Viking Ship "Munin".

The Song of "Munin"

Ken, then, the spirit of Munin,
Odin's raven, twin of Hugin,
whoso, fleet of wing,
fared the world for the ways of men,
ere served well the Allfather.
A sign, she, of memory,
thus never to be forgotten,
Ship nor beast.

Ken, then, our spreading wings
to memories yet unborn:
the Norsemen are stirring
ere to serve well the future kin.
A sign, she, of memory,
thus never to be forgotten,
Ship nor beast.

The Digital Norseman

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Here's where you can check out the BC Viking Ship Project in action launching the Viking Ship "Munin" at the Vancouver Maritime Museum on July 7, 2001. For the first time, you can see our "Munin" in its rightful element: being rowed in salt water.

All thumbnail pictures are clickable and will bring up a full size picture.

The big day finally arrived. We were ready to launch our Viking Ship at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. This was a fitting event tying in nicely with the museum's Viking Exhibit visiting for the summer from Canada's Museum of Man. We had a big program for the day and a lot of people were kept very busy, indeed, throughout the day. And the weather co-operated famously - not to warm, not too hot and definitely no rain! © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

A Viking Village appeared as out of nowhere in the early morning hours and certainly added a distinct color and excitement to the festivities. There were people in Viking costume or traditional Scandinavian dress everywhere. Some of our friends in the Society for Creative Anachronisms brought out their finery and their hobbies to show one and all. Walking around, you could get a first hand account and demonstration of how to make shields, helmets, various weapons and chain mail. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

"Well, let's see. If I were Odin right now, I'd send those ravens out for pop and ice cream! It's hot here..." Who wouldn't muse mightily if sitting in the seat of a Viking noble? The magnificent chair, by the way, belongs to Mikhail Heimdallson of the Norse House Ravenspeak, our official armourer. He always brings out samples of his incredible collection of period accurate artifacts. © Copyright 2001 Olaf Oden

As befitted the occasion, the Trolls were out in force. Well known to Scandinavians from traditional folk tales, this was a chance for others to make their acquaintance. The Trolls were on their best behaviour, in case you wondered. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

Here's another Troll making new friends. The dog wasn't too sure about this creature, so chose to ignore it. Maybe it was envious of the Troll's long tail? © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

While everything was being readied at the museum, our Viking Ship arrived quietly at the launching ramp. It had been loaded on the trailer at Scandinavian Center. We used a professional boat moving outfit. The loading and unloading was supervised by our own pro's, boat builders with hundreds of boats to their credit. It may look like a big challenge to get a 40 foot Viking Ship on and off a trailer with out a crane, but there are some tricks to this trade. Remember, builders have been moving boats around without fancy equipment for centuries. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

The activity at the launching ramp quickly drew a lot of attention even if it was still early in the day's program. The Canadian Coast Guard's harbour patrol took up station in the channel and watched the spectacle for awhile. Soon other duties called and they missed the grand finale itself. For the record, we have all the proscribed safety equipment so they are welcome back anytime. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

As time got closer to the main event, the media showed up. There were four TV cameras in action all dancing about each other trying to get shots in the milling crowd. At least one of them got enough of what they wanted: We made the six o'clock news on Global TV. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

What is a Viking Ship launch without distinguished guests? Can't say, really, as we've only done one, and we had all the trimmings... We were delighted to have in our presence His Excellency Ingvar Havnen, the Ambassador of Norway; Stein Gudmundseth, the Norwegian Consul General; Magnus Eriksson, the Swedish Consul General; James Delgado, the Director of the Vancouver Maritime Museum and Thor Olufsen, President of the Norwegian House Society. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

As the joke goes, Scandinavians can't do anything much beyond changing a light bulb without making a speech. Well, this event was way beyond light bulbs so we teed up the speakers with Professor Erle Nelson as MC and let them have at the mike... The line up featured, from right to left, Erle Nelson (with the mike), MC and Professor Simon Fraser University; Preben Ormen, the Digital Norseman and Chairperson BC Viking Ship Project; Magnus Eriksson and wife, Consul General of Sweden; Tom Kottmeier, Vice-Chair BC Viking Ship Project; Stein Gudmondseth, Consul General of Norway; His Excellency Ambassador Ingvar Havnen of Norway; and Marian Toft, President of the Scandinavian Community Center. © Copyright 2001 Olaf Oden

We had a very special team to christen our Viking Ship: the children and grand children of the builders. Marian Toft, President of the Scandinavian Center, got them together in their finery for this wonderful picture. Don't they look grand? © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

The team of christeners assembled at the bow for instructions. First they each got a goat horn. This was to be filled with mead and to be held ready. The team would intone a short verse naming and blessing the Viking Ship and then throw the mead on the stem. © Copyright 2001 Olaf Oden

This begged the obvious question: What is mead? Mead is a fermented brew based on honey. Think of it as a honey beer with a distinct flavour and a bit sweeter than modern beer. Then the mead was ladled into each goat horn. Time to get ready. © Copyright 2001 Olaf Oden

Surprise! Yuk! And double Phew! A couple of the kids stuck their noses in the horns to smell the mystery sloshing around in there and didn't care much for what they found! Mead is an acquired taste, then as now. © Copyright 2001 Olaf Oden

The good Viking Ship "Munin" duly christened, stem dripping of mead, and fronted by Kris Frostad, master shipwright. There is a subtle change that comes over a ship when it is christened: It takes on a personality all of its own. You have to be there to catch the feeling. Makes the hair stand up on your neck and forearms. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

Marian stepped into the fray with the microphone telling everyone to back away from the ship. We needed room for the crew to get "Munin" into the water. It took some doing, but eventually the crowd and TV crews receded to make sufficient space for the next excitement. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

Al and Mikhail had a confab in the bow and mused on things to come. Seems we weren't quite as ready as we thought. But he waits not in vain who waits for something good... © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

Arne was the launch meister and supervised getting the life jackets and other items in place. Everybody seems to be suspended in eager anticipation. You can virtually read the questions in the various faces: "What happens next? Is this it? What's holding us up now?" © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

The rescue rangers - anno 1001 AD - took up station on the small pier and grabbed the bow and stern lines. This one wasn't about to get away on anybody, that's for sure. They looked ready and let the rest know about it, too! The Cable Guy (from Shaw Cable) got it all on tape. Several boats had taken up station in the channel, they had some of the best seats in the house. (You'll see the best one shortly.) © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

"Ready?" OK, let's see. Everything seems to be in place. Life jackets are on the thwarts. Oars are on board.The Ship ready on a couple of skid blocks and not much more to give it a smooth entry. "Yeah, Ready! Let's go, everybody off the Ship!" © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

"Oh, except you, Arne. You'll go down - er, just kidding - in - with the Ship, remember?" "Where is Arne? Somebody get Arne so we can ge the show in the water!" The Norsemen had perfected Shanghai-ing long before Admiral Nelson's press gangs twigged on the concept. Arne just smiled and climbed back in. © Copyright 2001 Olaf Oden

With a one-two-three-and-a-heave, "Munin" shot into the water with nary a hesitation. As the Ship came off the blocks it naturally heeled over to starboard and Arne had to make a fast grab to steady himself. The perma-grin stayed on as the Ship righted itself and the rescue rangers pulled her in. Lucky guy. How many people do you know who launched a Viking Ship from the best seat in the house? © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

The launch crew was dressed for the occasion - most of them anyway - and followed "Munin" into the water. Which wasn't really necessary for she floated off well and exactly as expected, riding nice and steady in the water. Still, you can't just shove something you spent a year building into the water and let go, now, can you? © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

If you look closely, you can get a feel for how little water "Munin" draws. Amazing, considering she is 40 feet in length. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

And eventually, "Munin" settled along he dock as the pier became more and more congested with thronging onlookers wanting a closer peek. Well, who could blame them, really. And get this, no-one fell in the water either. Must be some kind of record. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

"Munin" seats 14 oarsmen (and -women). The project was an "equal opportunity" initiative and Mikhail on the stern line helped direct the first crew of rowers to their positions. "Munin's" maiden voyage was a trip down the channel to the dock at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

And away they go! "Munin" is finally free of the dock and now in the hands of her crew. Arne was at the helm directing everything. There was a bit of a wind coming down the channel from the direction of the Museum and the tide was about to turn. We'd soon find out how our Ship handled with a head wind. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

We need not have worried. With the oars in the water, even a rookie crew like ours, has no problem moving "Munin" smartly along. Once those 40 feet get moving, they slice through the water. There is considerable momentum built up from the oar strokes of 14 people. As several of us can attest to, the force of the Ship is considerable. If you don't feather the oar properly and get it caught in the water, the oar will sweep you right off the thwart. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

Co-ordinating the rowing of 14 people isn't as easy as it might seem. Some people have longer arms, some oars have different leverage depending upon the location in the Ship and some people like longer strokes while others take short ones. Still, as "Munin" disappeared down channel, it was clear that they were getting the hang of it. And it was time for the rest of us to high tail it back to the Museum lest "Munin" got there ahead of us. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

"Munin" made it to her new home safe and sound. Arne answered questions about her performance from the people at the dock. No, she didn't leak a drop. She moves well and is very stable. And yes the rudder worked, but needs more bite. A little rework, then, to add some more volume to the rudder below the water line. No big deal. That wasn't entirely unexpected as we'd heard similar stories from other Viking Ship projects. Seems like every project ends up tinkering with the rudder. Scaling the Ship from a larger original like we did, doesn't mean that everything will perform the same way. It's all about proportions and relationships and Ships simply don't scale linearly. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

"You made a nice Viking Ship, Grandpa!" Well spoken. Guess we'll keep her. And the kid, too... Chris is checking out the rudder, he's getting ready to take a crew out later. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

We had three crews planned for the day. There were a lot of people wanting to go out! The first task was to find the right oar for the oar hole. Oh, didn't expect that? Well, the oars were matched as well as we could make it to the different positions. They were marked at the butt end, but that was a little hard to get at sometimes. Maybe the markers need to go somewhere else on the oar so they are more easily visible. Someone will surely get their head smacked one of these days if the oars are waived around too much in the process. As you can see, the dock side was severely crowded, but we managed. No-one fell off here, either. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

The second crew is ready with oars poised. Had this crew foundered, Canadian-Scandinavian relations could have taken a blow as we had an Ambassador and two Consul Generals on board! Can we claim a first with a Viking Ship rowed by crew in suits and ties? Email us if you know... © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

Here we catch a close-up of oars being put out. This is the drill: Run the oar, handle first, over the railing on the opposite side without smacking your fellow crew members, insert blade in oar hole and run the oar out till you can grab the handle. Grab the handle (OK, just checking that you're awake). Then sit down and watch your head. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

The day was waning with the sun getting low in the sky. The warm light made the hull gleam golden as the crew got into the rythm and Chris steered them out into the channel. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

This crew seems to have a good hang of it. No oars are crossed (otherwise known as "Oars Akimbo"). A crossed oar is quite unsettling - literally - to the unfortunate soul whose oar is on top as you bring the oar down to pull through the water and all you catch is another oar with near zero friction. Could throw you clean off your seat. By the way. Did you know that you don't actually pull the oar through the water? The oar blade stays pretty much in one place through the stroke, it's the boat that moves. Makes sense? © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

After the launch and three outings with "Munin", everybody repaired to the Vancouver Maritime Museum which closed early for a private reception. His Excellency, Ambassador Ingvar Havnen of Norway, spoke of the many ties between Scandinavia and Canada, not the least of which being the Vikings' discovery of North America and the many other maritime links down through the ages like in the north and on the fishing banks. He thanked the Vancouver Maritime Museum for its work in promoting interest in the maritime history of the two countries and especially for its role as host to the magnificent Viking exhibit and the launch of "Munin". © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

James Delgado, the Director of the Vancouver Maritime Museum, closed the formalities of the day. He shared some background on the events and hard work that lead up to the Viking exhibit and the launch program. In particular, he extended his appreciation to Olaf Oden, our resident Viking Artist and project member for providing samples of his paintings and art work which were blended in with the Viking exhibit displays. Olaf's art work added a new dimension to the overall look and feel of the exhibit. James also shared how the Museum is working on a project with Scandinavian marine archaeologist on a new find that, when the artifacts go on the road, will probably start the overseas tour in Vancouver. So keep in touch with the Vancouver Maritime Museum, they do exiting things there, well worth catching. If you haven't seen the Viking exhibit, try to make it this summer, it something to behold. And then you can check out "Munin" which will be moored there the whole summer through. Think you'd like to try your hand at an oar? Contact us at munin-vancouver@hotmail.com. © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

A big event is the product of many helping hands. Still, the Vancouver Maritime Museum recognized the special effort and zeal brought to the task by Marian Toft, President of the Scandinavian Center with a great big bouquet of flowers. Hear, hear! Well deserved. Thanks, Marian. And thanks to the Vancouver Maritime Musum and last but not least: A big hand for the project team! © Copyright 2001 Preben Ormen

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