The Gotheborg III arrives back home June 9, 2007 after its epic journey to China and back.
Photo © Jan-Erik Nilsson 2007
A few days ago a long time dream was fulfilled and I can't help making some space here to be able to share this with you. It's the closure of a long time project I have had the pleasure helping to start during the critical first 5 years 1993-1998, when this ship building project - on our own initiative - was brought from idea to a live reality and majestic hull being built inside our gigantic ships building hall on our own shipyard, the Terra Nova in Gothenburg on the site of the former Eriksbergs Shipyard.
Now, after fourteen years from start to completion, she has finally completed her maiden voyage to China and back - and as we set out to do, bring her safely all the way home.
A few days ago she came back, and made her way safely all the way into the harbor of Gothenburg, something that did not work out that well the last time around in 1745, when she hit an underwater rock and sank. Pretty much on the same spot as where these pictures was taken. Thank you all who shared our dream and helped make it come true.
I lack words for my gratitude to you whose expertise got her built, rigged, outfitted and safely brought all the way to China and back.
Please also extend a thought to all who were part of this at the start but are no longer with us. They knew it might take too long time for them to see her coming back, but still gave this dream all support they could anyway. I think all of you somehow are still there and around, to see this happening.
That is the true valour of great men, without whom this project would never have been possible.
As we have said all the way through this project, always remember your history.
Jan-Erik Nilsson
Co-founder
of the Gotheborg III project.