When His Majesty's Ship Vasa sailed on her maiden voyage, she was considered the most powerful warship every built. It was 10 August 1628. Many had come down to the harbour to watch her sail.
As she left the docks, four sails were set. Moving into the harbour, the wind caught and she heeled. She righted herself then heeled again hard over to port. The water gushed in, and minutes after sailing she sank!
In 1961, the well-preserved wreck was salvaged. Today she sits 95 percent original in the Vasa Museum. The ship is a powerful testimony to another time, when sailing ships ruled the waves. And she is a witness to how much navel engineers did not know in the 17th century.
The ship is the main attraction at this wonderful museum. However, the museum also has exhibits about life in Sweden at this time, life aboard 17th century ships and naval warfare during those times. This was a highlight of our trip for me.
