Mighty Norwegian Viking Ship Makes Grand Debut On LI: Photos

GREENPORT, NY — Windblown and weary, but smiling with pride, the crew of the world's largest operating Norwegian Viking ship sailed into Greenport harbor Wednesday. Gathering in a circle on the vessel, they lifted a glass to a voyage that had led them safely to their destination port, shouting "Skoal!" the Norwegian term for cheers, as they joined in a toast of congratulations and fellowship.

The Draken Harald Hårfagre, currently on its "Expedition America: East Coast Tour 2018," will remain in Greenport until Saturday.

The majestic ship measures 115-feet long, with a 26-foot beam, and a 79-foot mast made from Douglas fir. It carries 260 square meters of silk sails. In 2016, the ship and its crew performed their first transatlantic crossing from Norway to the United States.

Onboard the glorious vessel are 35 men and women, mostly volunteers, hailing from an international canvas.

The Draken's Captain Björn Ahlander and his crew stepped ashore to welcome the crowd and introduce the vessel.

Describing a journey that began in Haugesund, Norway and continued to Iceland, Greenland, Canada and the United States – the same route the Vikings sailed 1,000 years ago — Ahlander said, just as in days of yore, there were icebergs and other challenges, but a dedicated and passionate crew divided equally between men and women worked tirelessly to bring the vessel safely to port.

"We made it," he said, adding that the Viking ship is an important reminder that unlike so much in today's society, things don't need to be "plastic or shiny," to have value; the most critical lessons can be learned on a timeless ship crafted with care and tradition. If you had seen the ship before its crossing, Ahlender said it may have been hard to believe it could stand strong against stormy seas and fierce winds — but its successful journey is a testament to its legacy.

"We did it. We have a history here. . .a history of Vikings, who discovered the world. And also we have proven it's possible," he said. "The crew is very proud to show it and tell their stories."

The crew, who sleep in tight quarters and share meals and memories, become family, said Klara Loebbert, 21, of Sweden. Loebbert said she knew at 15 that she wanted a life at sea. "I didn't want to just keep going to school, doing homework," she said. Called by the siren song of the sails, she attended school to learn to be a mariner and worked on a few ships before her current voyage.

"It's been amazing," she said. While Loebbert said it's hard to be away from home and from friends, onboard the Draken, she's made a new family.

Kessu Karu agreed that the experience has been life-altering; both said they feel, as women, they have been treated equally onboard the Draken, and stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, sharing the work and the joys.

When asked if she ever gets afraid, Loebbert said in fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. Nights, she said, are the most peaceful. "Sometimes, I see the moon rise. I see stars. I see the sun rise in the morning," she said. "It's beautiful. There's a rythym."

John "Lemon" Lemes hails from California and most recently, lived in Hawaii. He's been aboard the Draken for three weeks and said the journey symbolizes a quest to learn more about his Scandinavian heritage.

Gazing at the sparkling water, he said he's moved by "sunsets and sunrises." And amongst his fellow crew members, he said their bond is cemented by teamwork and a shared bond. Lemes said at every port, residents regale with rich information, stories of deep Scandinavian influence and roots. His mother, Karen Lindquist, has done extensive research into Scandinavian history; Lemes has learned that he's related to the first Norwegian to settle in America in the 1600s.

And for all aboard, the journey is about more than a single individual — it's about working seamlessly as a team, to bring rich traditions of yesterday into the modern world.

Draken deck tours will be available Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Tour tickets — which cost $6 for kids ages 5 to 15, with free admission for ages 4 and under; $12 for adults ages 16 and over; and $30 for a family pack including two adults, and up to three children — can be purchased online here. The tickets can also be purchased on-site at the Draken Village.

During each 30-minute tour, guests will be guided through the ship and offered a look at a day-in-the-life of the crew and the historic craftsmanship used to build it.

The Draken Village, free and open to the public, offers a photo and video exhibition, land-side views of the ship, the Highland Park hospitality tent, official Draken merchandise, and more.

Additional ticketed events include screenings of the newly released Draken documentary, "Expedition America — a Modern Viking Adventure" and a lecture with Captain Ahlander outlining the expeditions of the Draken. Both activities cost $20 per person to attend.

Patch photos, video by Lisa Finn.