Summary of a DN article , and some small things from a Svenska Dagbladet article:
Just before two in the afternoon today, a royal 21 shot salute was fired in order to welcome the East Indiaman ship “Götheborg” to Stockholm on its maiden voyage. Thousands of people followed the ship as it entered Stockholm from different positions around the water, and hundreds of private boats where out on the water to see the arrival close by.
On board were King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, together with a host of VIP guests – among them the Ambassador of China to Sweden, and the Ambassador to China of Sweden.
- This is an important milestone for Swedish shipping and Swedish handicraft art, said the King and applauded the craftsmen who have worked on re-creating this boat since 1995.
On the question whether he prefers sailing boats or motorboats, the King replied:
- Both of them have their charm. It’s hard to put them up against each other. But I’m deeply impressed in the way this ship has come into existence.
What does the East Indiaman mean for Sweden in the world?
- It has a great significance with the trip to China. It’s good to develop trade and friendship, and to extend the knowledge about Sweden. I’m sure that the interest in Sweden will increase in the harbours where Götheborg will dock in China.
The original “Götheborg” went down on 12 September 1745 in Gothenburg, and was originally build in the Terra Nova shipyard in Stockholm. In 1995, The Marine Archaeological Society started to work on a project aiming at re-creating the ship. And now it lies there in central Stockholm for a short visit - 40 meters long, 11 meters broad, 400 tons heavy, and with a crew of 80.
On the second of October, “Götheborg” will begin its voyage to China, taking the same route as the original 1700 ship did. It will be off sailing for two years.
The King is the ship’s highest protector; the Queen is its godmother.
I was there at the arrival today, it was a wonderful experience, shared with so many people who stood around the waters. It was very impressive to see "Götheborg" enter our sights as it entered city waters. The salute was the closest I've ever been to one, it was so loud I had to hold my hands over my ears.
Picture 1-2 if from Dagens Nyheter, pictures 3-9 are from Svenska Dagladet.