The Götheborg of Sweden talk by Gabriella Johansson

Published 11:28 on 26 Apr 2023

The Götheborg of Sweden

The Story of an 18th century East Indiaman and her replica 250 years later

On Saturday 29th April, Westward Room Start 6.30 pm By Gabriella Johansson

Arriving in Jersey on Thursday 27th April for the Boat Show, Götheborg of Sweden is the world's largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship, a faithful replica of the 1738 original East Indiaman Götheborg that sank outside Gothenburg in Sweden in 1745 after three voyages to Shanghai in China.

The replica project saw the new keel laid in 1995 and her maiden voyage ten years later.  She re-enacted the original China voyage route from Gothenburg to Shanghai from 2005 to 2007 (a return trip of 33,000 nautical miles).  She is due to repeat the voyage in the mid 2020's.

Gabriella Johanssen, who is Crew Manager for the ship, will talk to us about all aspects of this superlative vessel, from the history of the original ship, her sinking in 1745, the re-discovery of the wreck in 1984, and the project to build a faithful replica. It will also detail some of the current ship operations.

Latterly she has been sailing in the Mediterranean in both 2022 and 2023, and is on her way back to Sweden from Barcelona and Gibraltar to celebrate Gothenburg Citys 400-year Jubilee in June.

Additionally the ship is due to arrive through the pierheads at 1130 hrs on Thursday 27th April.  True to her origins the vessel has ten six pounder cannon which she will be firing in Salute as per tradition around 1100 hrs, just before she comes into the harbour.  She is due to berth alongside the Albert Pier for the duration of her stay.

Register your interest for the Talk ASAP with the Office by calling 732229 or by email to office@shyc.je with your numbers.  The Caterers have kindly agreed to lay on a light supper menu in addition to the usual.