Viking Traditions in Modern Boat Design

The Vinland Society returns to the PEI stage with an event that connects the crowning pinnacle of Viking technology to a bustling modern boatyard. Kevin Jeffrey, a Viking enthusiast since childhood, will trace developments in Viking shipbuilding that enabled early sailors to break free of the Scandinavian Peninsula and “go viking” to distant lands.

Powered by immense squaresails, Viking “knarrs,” or cargo ships, island-hopped across the Atlantic as far as North America, and just maybe, to PEI. Kevin now lives his Viking dreams by inserting Norse design elements (lapstrake hulls, sails, and oars) into the vessels he constructs at the NorseBoat boatyard in Flat River, PEI.

An actual NorseBoat will be on display in front of the meeting hall, so attendees can personally feel the echoes of ancient seafaring technology.

The event starts at 7 pm on May 25 at the Beaconsfield Carriage House. Kevin’s program will follow a brief AGM. Admission is free to all, but cookie-jar donations will be gladly accepted.