The Vasa, a magnificent warship of the Royal Swedish Navy, was a testament to 17th-century naval engineering and artistry. With an impressive arsenal of 64 heavy cannons and a capacity for over 450 crew members, it was designed to be the pride of Sweden’s naval fleet.
On a fateful Sunday afternoon, 10 August 1628, the Vasa embarked on its maiden voyage from Stockholm harbor. However, the ship’s journey was tragically short-lived. Barely 20 minutes into its voyage, a light gust of wind caused the top-heavy vessel to heel to its port side. Water rushed in through the open gun ports, and within minutes, the Vasa plunged 105 feet deep into the Baltic Sea.
Part I. Trace the history of the Vasa and how it became to be a formidable warship with intricate wooden carvings adorning its hull. It reflected the king’s desire for a ship that was both a military weapon and a stunning display of royal power. Participants will see photos that were taken at the Vasa Museum. The Vasa’s design frequently changed and pressure to complete the ship quickly would ultimately compromise its structural integrity, setting the stage for its infamous voyage disaster. Explore why it sank in only 20 minutes.
Part II. For 333 years, the Vasa lay forgotten in the dark waters until its rediscovery in the 1950s. The ship’s salvage in 1961 was a monumental feat. As the Vasa emerged from the depths, it revealed a remarkable well-preserved snapshot of the 17th-century maritime life. The ship maintained approximately 98% of its original structure intact. Over 40,000 artifacts have been recovered from the warship, revealing everyday items used by the sailors, military equipment, food related items and luxury items. Take a tour of the 7 floors of artifacts, recovered from both inside and outside of the ship. Discuss how scientists preserved the ship and the challenges it continues to face today.