JACOBSTADS WAPEN

• Latitude: 63.6831
• Longitude: 22.6872
• Baltic Sea
• Marina in Finland

Location: 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.