Odin's Raven is a 2/3 scale replica of the Gokstad ship, which was sailed from Trondheim to Peel, Isle of Man, by a joint Manx and Norwegian crew. The project formed part of the 1979 Manx Millennium Celebrations, and was conceived and planned by local businessman Robin Bigland.[1] [2] [3]
Odin's Raven is 50feet in length, 11feet beam, and 3feet draft to keel, (4feet draft to steering oar). She was built at Rød Båtbyggeri,[4] Fredrikstad, Elingaardskilen, near the entrance to Oslofjord.[5]
Technical advice was obtained from Alan Binns of Hull University, who sailed for the first half of the voyage; Eric Rudstrom, a fembøring sailor; and Rolf Hansen, who had extensive experience of sailing traditional square-rigged boats. She is clinker-built of oak with galvanised iron fasteners, and her frames are lashed in place with nylon cord. A 20 HP motor was provided for safety reasons, but rarely used. The boat was skippered by Eddie Kaighin.[6]
Following sea trials on Oslofjord, Odin's Raven was shipped to Trondheim.[7]
Setting out from Trondheim on 27 May 1979, she was sailed by her crew of 16 via:
arriving at Peel, Isle of Man on 5 July 1979 (Tynwald Day).[3]
As well as being followed by a film crew for BBC TV, the story of the project and the voyage was recorded in a book by Michael Ingram "The Voyage of Odin's Raven".[8]
Odin's Raven is displayed as a museum exhibit at the House of Manannan in Peel, in the former Peel railway station.[9]