“The seafaring tradition along Scandinavia’s western shores extends back through the ages, possibly predating even the Viking era by millennia,” revealed Jarrett. “The vestiges of extensive trade routes, hinted at by the names dotting the coastline, serve as tangible reminders. Could it be that after millennia of coastal navigation, the need for sophisticated guiding instruments was never truly felt?”
Amidst the highlights of our voyage, we encountered trials that tested our resolve. One particularly daunting moment arose when the mast spar embracing the mainsail gave way, compelling us to improvise a solution by lashing two oars together to prop up the sail and keep us on course. It demanded days of painstaking repair to ready the boat for the seas once more. With no safety vessel shadowing us for emergency support, and lacking an engine, we pressed forward armed only with a life raft as our insurance, thankfully untouched thus far.
Counting on his seafaring background, Jarrett proposed a novel perspective on Viking navigation devoid of maps, compasses, or sextants. He postulated that the seafarers might have relied on “mind maps” or a “maritime cultural ethos,” woven from the collective lore and wisdom passed down through oral traditions over generations of sailors. These mental cartographies could have been shaped by myths linked to the land’s distinctive coastal features like skerries, islets, and reefs.
Our routine at sea oscillated between four-hour shifts of labor and rest, ensuring brief moments to steal some sleep during our downtime. This delicate balance granted respite without succumbing to the numbing cold – a persistent concern,” Jarrett elaborated. “We endured, akin to huddling penguins, cocooned in multiple layers of wool for warmth during our shared repose. Yet, there were serene interludes too. In Scandinavia, the transitional seasons ushered in high-pressure systems, granting us radiant, sun-kissed days beyond the usual summer haze.
