A Ship Reborn

With a view to studying the sailing qualities of a Viking ship, the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde has had an exact copy of one of their excavated merchant vessels built using contemporary techniques. On the basis of the sailing tests made the film demonstrates how sailing qualities are clearly dictated by the construction of the ship. Contrary to the belief held by many historians, the ship tacks against the wind extremely well, and both the incredibly resilient, lively hull and the drawing properties of the square sail may perhaps give inspiration to future shipbuilders.