Sixareen Trips around Lerwick Harbour
Thursday 18 - Sunday 28 June
Where: Shetland Museum and Archives, Hays Dock, Lerwick
A sixareen is an open six oared fishing boat which was extremely important to Shetland’s haaf (deep sea) fishing industry throughout the seventeen and eighteen hundreds but had all but disappeared by 1920. These craft were recognised as the ultimate development of the traditional Shetland boat, directly descended from Viking boat design.
Take part in one of the rowing trips around the harbour to find out what it is like to handle a vessel of this size and imagine what it must have been like to be a crew member in the haaf fishing, where crews fished for cod and ling up to 40 miles from land, on trips lasting up to 3 days.
The largest of Shetland’s open boats, this replica was built in the Museum and Archives Boat Shed and launched last year. Experienced crew members will be on hand to oversee and assist your trip.
Note: Due to the physical nature of these trips, participants must be over 14 and 14-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Trips will be weather dependant.
This is a free event but booking is advisable.
For further information or to make a booking, please contact: Shetland Museum and Archives, tel 01595 695057 or e-mail info@shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk
