January 27, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Minister Furey greets visiting Icelandic delegation

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today signed an official agreement to bring the replica Viking longship Islendingur to Newfoundland and Labrador this summer, as the central part of the Vikings! 1000 Years, Make the Journey program of events. Also on hand from Iceland for the signing were Gunnar Marel Eggertsson - Captain of Islendingur,Ambassador Einar Benediktsson - director, Leifur Eiriksson Millennium Commission, Gu�j�n Arngrimsson -  program director, Leifur Eiriksson Millennium Commission, and Skarph��inn Steinarsson - head of department, Prime Minister�s Office.

"This year, we are commemorating the 1000^th anniversary of the Viking arrival in North America at L�Anse aux Meadows," Minister Furey said. "To mark this occasion we are planning events around the province, including the spectacular re-creation of Leif Eriksson�s voyage from Iceland to Newfoundland. The Islendingur, an authentic replica Viking long ship is set to arrive at L�Anse aux Meadows on July 28 to incredible fanfare. The ship will be captained by Gunnar Marel Eggertsson, one of Eriksson�s descendants, who is with us here today."

"The Government of Iceland regards this cooperation with Newfoundland to be a very important part of our millennium celebrations in Canada and the United States. This joint effort to re-create an historic event will lead to closer ties between Newfoundland and Iceland, natural partners in various fields," said Ambassador Einar Benediktsson, director of the Leifur Eiriksson Millennium Commission.

The itinerary for the Islendingur:

• L�Anse aux Meadows, July 28 - 30

• Port aux Choix, July 31 - August 1

• Norris Point, August 1 - 2

• Corner Brook, August 3 - 5

• Port aux Basques, August 6 - 8

• Harbour Breton, August 9 - 11

• Burin, August 11 - 13

• Placentia, August 13 - 14

• St. John�s, August 15 - 19

• Port de Grave, August 20 -21

Vikings! 1000 Make the Journey is a project of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Parks Canada and the Viking Trail Tourism Association. Visit our web sites:

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications/ Public Relations, Special Celebrations, (709) 729-3813.

Backgrounder - The Islendingur

The Viking ship Islendingur, (or Icelander) is an exact replica of an old Viking ship, called "Gaukstada" ship, which was found incredibly well preserved in an ancient burial mound in Norway in 1882. It is believed to be from 870 AD, the time of the settlement of Iceland.

Viking ship Islendingur Facts

Built in 1996
22.5 metres in length
5.3 metres beam
1.7 metres draft
Oak and pine construction
18 tons of wood (5000 nails)
80 gross tonnes
7 miles per hour speed (average)

In the Viking age a ship like the Islendingur would often have around 70 crew members, with a double shift of rowers for the 32 oars. There would have been a sandpit to support an open fire and livestock such as lamb on board, so fresh meals would be cooked on long voyages.

The Viking ship Islendingur is a worthy representative of the ships that sailed the North-Atlantic a thousand years ago. Like the original Viking ships, Islendingur is a fast ocean going vessel, exceptionally stable.

On the 2000 Leif Eiriksson Voyage the Islendingur will be accompanied by an escort ship, a 150 ton vessel - originally a fishing boat. The Islendingur has a motor for use in emergency situations.

About the Captain:

The main owner of the ship, the ship's designer and builder, and its captain is Gunnar Marel Eggertsson, a 45 year old Icelander.

Gunnar was born and raised on the volcanic Vestmanna Islands off the south coast of Iceland into a family of seamen and shipbuilders. Before he was 25 he had earned his shipbuilders degree and had vast experience as a seaman.

Gunnar was always fascinated by the Vikings and their navigational skills, and soon got involved with Viking enthusiasts. In 1991 he was the skipper of the Viking ship GAIA that sailed from Norway all the way south to Rio De Janeiro.

Gunnar is married and has two children.

2000 01 27 9:50 a.m.