Post Description

In Viking Voyage, world-renowned mariner Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and a Norwegian crew attempt a journey
across the North Sea in a replica Viking ship. Not only do they navigate without modern charts or compasses
- as did their Viking ancestors - but they also put to the test the Viking practice of portaging, by attempting to haul a 9 tonne cargo ship across a narrow strip of land in Shetland from the North Sea to the Atlantic.


Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, tests these navigational skills and leads a voyage across the North Sea from Norway
to Shetland without modern magnetic compass or chart. He tries out the only piece of navigation equipment
he thinks they may have had - a sun-compass.This wooden disc with a central hole and notches along the outer edge and a pin fixed in the centre may have acted as a compass; casting a shadow from the sun which would help seafarers head in the right direction. Sir Robin and the rest of the crew are amazed at the accuracy of this simple tool which, along with the aid of some fair winds, brings them safely to their  destination.


On arrival in Shetland another challenge awaits the team.There is evidence in the sagas that Vikings hauled
their smaller warships across narrow stretches of land to avoid lengthy and dangerous sea voyages - a practice known as portaging. But would they have been able to do this with a larger cargo ship like the one the team are using? With the help of some game locals and a bucket of rancid cod liver, the team discover that it really would have been possible to drag a boat literally from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.