JACOBSTADS WAPEN
- Latitude: 63.6831
- Longitude: 22.6872
- Baltic Sea
- Marina in Finland
Address: Finland
The "Jacobstads Wapen" is a replica of a traditional wooden sailing ship from the 18th century, more specifically, a galeas (or "Jaktskepp" in Swedish). The original Jacobstads Wapen was a merchant vessel, reflecting the rich shipbuilding history of Jakobstad (Pietarsaari in Finnish), which is a coastal town in Finland known for its maritime heritage.
Description of Jacobstads Wapen
- Type: Galeas (a type of wooden sailing ship)
- Length: Approximately 22.5 meters
- Beam (Width): Roughly 6 meters
- Draft: About 2.5 meters
- Material: Traditional wooden construction using oak and pine
- Mast Configuration: Two-masted setup
- Sailing Rig: Equipped with a typical gaff-rigged mainsail and a variety of foresails and topsails
- Deck Layout: Open deck with space for handling sails and cargo, including a central hold area
Specifications and Features
- Builder: Built by the local shipbuilding community in Jakobstad, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and historical accuracy
- Launch Year: The replica was completed and launched in 1995
- Historical Accuracy: The design and construction methods faithfully replicate those used during the era of the original 18th-century vessel
- Usage: The Jacobstads Wapen serves both as a functional sailing ship and an educational platform, allowing people to experience and learn about traditional sailing and maritime practices
Function and Purpose
- Educational Tours: Offers educational tours and sailing experiences to teach about historical seafaring, shipbuilding techniques, and cultural heritage
- Event Participation: Participates in maritime festivals, reenactments, and cultural events in Finland and other Baltic and Scandinavian countries
- Community Engagement: Acts as a symbol of local pride and historical significance, engaging the community and preserving maritime traditions
Operational Details
- Crew: Typically manned by a mixed crew of professional sailors and volunteers, with opportunities for public participation
- Navigation Equipment: Equipped with modern safety and navigation equipment to comply with current maritime regulations while maintaining a historical aesthetic
- Maintenance: Regularly maintained by skilled shipwrights and volunteers to preserve its structural integrity and seaworthiness
The Jacobstads Wapen is not simply a static museum piece but a living example of maritime history, playing a vital role in the cultural life of Jakobstad and contributing to the broader appreciation of historical maritime practices.