Viking Ships - Knarr

Knarr

The knarr is the Norse term for ships that were built for Atlantic voyages. They were cargo ships with a length of about 54 feet (16 m), a beam of 15 feet (4.6 m), and a hull capable of carrying up to 24 tons. Overall displacement: 50 tons. Knarrs routinely crossed the North Atlantic centuries ago carrying livestock and stores to Greenland. It was capable of sailing 75 miles (121 km) in one day and held a crew of about 20-30. This type of ship was used for longer voyages than the Gokstad type of ship and also for hazardous trips. It is also shorter and sturdier than the Gokstad. It depended mostly on sail-power and used its oars only as auxiliaries if there was no wind on the open water. The vessel also influenced the design of the cog, used in the Baltic Sea by the Hanseatic League.

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