The Gotheborg III dropped anchor yesterday afternoon in
Guangzhou, bringing a taste of years gone by to the modern southern
metropolis.
After eight deafening cannon shots, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf
and Queen Silvia walked down the ship's steps along a red carpet to
greet local people, Chinese and Swedish, who had come in their
thousands to witness the unique arrival.
"The ship's return to China symbolizes the good and peaceful
relationship between China and Sweden, which has lasted as long as
260 years," said the King, who has been following the
reconstruction of the ship for more than 10 years.
Gotheborg III is a replica of Gotheborg, a leading
ship of the Swedish East India Company during the 18th century. 260
years ago, the merchant vessel returned home to Gothenburg from
Guangzhou, then known as Canton, laden with a rich cargo of silk,
tea, porcelain and spices.
Unfortunately the ship struck a reef just half a mile from home
on September 12, 1745 and sank.
"Some Swedes started to conceive the idea of rebuilding the ship
in 1991," said Ulf Sormark, Consul-General of Sweden in Guangzhou.
The reconstruction started one year later and finally finished last
year, he said.
"It's a great day for Gotheborg III, for we have made a
nearly impossible idea possible after over 10 years of struggle,"
said Peter Kaalings, captain of the ship, who added that at the
beginning most Swedish people didn't believe it would be
possible.
Unlike modern ships with steel hulls and diesel engines, Kaaling
told China Daily that the ship was built according to its
original specifications.
"The replica ship has kept its original style and gives people a
precious chance to experience the old sailing traditions."
Kaaling outlined the basic features of the ship, which
include:
A 40-meter hull completely made of oak.
three masts made of fir wood, the highest being 56 meters.
Twenty-five sails of three different shapes, weighing 20 tons in
total.
Fifty crew working to belay ropes, rig sails and scrub the
deck.
The ship departed on October 2 last year from the inner harbor
pier in Gothenburg. During its 10-month journey it has stopped at
Cadiz in Spain, Recife in Brazil, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in
South Africa, Fremantle in Australia and Jakarta in Indonesia.
Along with a grand reception organized by the Guangzhou
government, local people gathered at Nansha Passenger Terminal to
cheer its arrival.
"I came here with my family very early this morning to get a
glimpse of the ancient ship," said Chen Guiqiang, a local
resident.
As the ship symbolizes Guangzhou's importance as an ancient
international port, people will know more about the city's history
through its arrival, Chen said.
A series of events will be held in the city to reflect the
friendly relations between China and Sweden, for example an
exhibition of rare porcelains salvaged from the wreckage.
Guangzhou is the first stop of its China tour. In mid August it
will leave for Shanghai.
It is scheduled to sail back to Sweden after a 2-month stay in
Shanghai and a 2-week stay in a shipyard in Zhejiang Province.
(China Daily July 19, 2006)
