The Götheborg the world’s largest, active, ocean-going, wooden sailing ship arriving in London

The Götheborg the world’s largest, active, ocean-going, wooden sailing ship arriving in London at Tower Bridge

his is actually a replica of an 18th-century tall sailing ship, although you’d struggle to tell the difference, as it was built using all the original techniques and materials of the original. No sign of a Black and Decker jigsaw here thank you very much.

The original ship owes its origins to the Swedish East India Company, which traded between 1731 and 1813, and was at the time, Sweden’s most valuable company. The first Swedish Ship Götheborg was launched in 1738 and went through three adventurous voyages to China (inc one where she was hijacked by the British) before its wrecking outside the Fortress of Älvsborg.

In 1993, the Swedish East India Company was refounded, but this time with the mission to rebuild the Götheborg*. Work started in 1995, and it was to take 20 years to complete the ship.

The ship now tours the world and last visited London in 2007.