Well, shiver my timbers, is that a pirate ship in West India Dock ? No, but it is the Götheborg of Sweden which is a sailing replica of the Swedish East Indiaman Götheborg I, which was launched in 1738 and sank in 1745.
When the wreckage of the original Götheborg was found in 1984, the idea to make a replica of the vessel was considered. The keel for the replica was laid in 1995 at the Eriksbergs wharf by the Göta älv in Gothenburg.
The construction and historical design of the ship was made by Joakim Severinsson. The vessel was built using old, traditional techniques, and it was made as close to the original as possible.
While the exterior is close to the original, the interior has an electrical system and propellers powered by diesel engines. The engines are only intended for port navigation and emergency situations. The ship has other modern aids like satellite navigation, communications equipment, modern facilities for the crew, watertight bulkheads and fire protection.
The vessel was launched on 6 June 2003 with ten tons of hemp ropes are used for rigging the vessel, together with some 1,000 blocks and 1,964 m2 (21,140 sq ft) linen sail. The replica has a crew of 80 sailors and is one of the world’s largest operational wooden sailing vessels.
The ship arrived in London on 8 August and is open to visitors every day from 8-12 August. Before docking at Canary Wharf the ship went up the Thames to pass under Tower Bridge. It is fifteen years since the ship last visited London, in 2007.
Unlike most ships which offer free admission, it will cost £15 to have a tour of this ship.
Opening hours in London
8 August: Open 14:00 pm – 20:00 pm
9 August: Open 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
10 August: Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
11 August: Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
12 August: Open 09:00 am – 11:00 am
The visit takes about an hour.
Tickets & prices
Adults: £15
Children 5-16 years: £7.5
Children 0-4 years: Free of charge
Isle of Dogs Life 