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Highlights of the
Voyage of the Islendingur
by Cal Coish
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Islendingur and the other replica ships at L'Anse aux
Meadows.
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The Islendingur (Icelander) left Rekyavik, Iceland, on June 17,
2000. It arrived at L'Anse-aux-Meadows on Friday, July 28, 2000. The
Islendingur , is 22.5 metres long. During its Atlantic crossing, it had a crew
of nine (including one woman) and used engine power.
Viking ships were narrow (about 5 metres wide) and shallow (a
little over a metre deep) and had no decks. The boats had one mast and a big
square sail that could be used when the wind wasn't too strong. On a good day,
a Viking " ship could cover about 200 kilometers. The Vikings had no compasses,
but used the sun and stars for direction.
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Former Newfoundland Premier
Brian Tobin and Chief Misel Joe.
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Former Newfoundland Premier Brian Tobin and Chief Misel
Joe of the Conne River Mi'kmaq Band were there to welcome the modem-day Vikings
to Newfoundland. "There was conflict between our people and your people, "said
Chief Joe, "but, I would like to think history was made here on this spot
between our people, whether it be good or bad. I like to think, starting today,
that we have an opportunity to make some things right." |
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Captain Marel Eggertsson, captain of the Islendingur got
a hero's welcome when he arrived on shore at L'Anse aux Meadows. He said, "We
are proud to bring the ship to L'Anse-aux-Meadows. I express my heartfelt
appreciation for the warm welcome here today." Captain Eggertsson is a direct
descendant of Leif Ericsson. |
Captain Marel Eggertsson as he arrives at L 'Anse aux
Meadows.
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The Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir.
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Visitors to the celebrations were entertained by such
performers as the Fables, Ron Hynes, Anita Best and Pamela Morgan and the
Kilautik Drum Dancers from Nain. Young people from Scandinavia, Conne River and
the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir did a hilltop choral performance. Rex
Murphy was emcee for the ceremonies. |
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