A city for the sea.

Mariehamn is a tiny city that was developed to service the Maritime industry of the region. Farmers and store owners combined to buy ships to carry goods around the world. In the town ,there is a distinct sea theme happening. It does have other claims to fame…the designer of the Finnish flag decorated the local Lutheran church. 

Now as you would expect….sea theme…there must have been a specific reason for our visit and it is of course the Windclipper Pommern. It is at present in the process of being restored. Two years down and hopefully, one to go.

As I mentioned, this ship was part of the grain race that happened in the 1930-40’s. Sailing ships were still being used to transport cargoes as it was still cost effective ,even though by this time steamships had been invented. If you signed up to crew a windclipper, you could expect to be at sea for at least two years with little contact with your family. Conditions were very basic. Crews joined from the age of 13 and often the cook was a mere 15 with little training. It was definitely an apprenticeship for the bravehearted. Many saw it as an adventure to see new lands and learn new cultures. Shore leave was brief, if at all so perhaps not quite what they expected.

Goods were loaded onto the ship using wooden wheelbarrows.

The museum, of which the Pommern is part, shows all aspects of a seamen’s life. It has stories from those who worked on the ships and the dangers they faced as they rounded Cape Horn or furled and unfurled the sails in storms or rough weather. In the Museum is an original pirate flag…..faded now with age .

There was a simulator for moving ships in Sydney Harbour. Someone tried it and I won’t comment on his  skill although the ship had to go to dry dock and the wharf will be fixed soon. Obviously equipment and not operator error.

Another interesting display was devoted to tattoos and their significance to sailors. As sailors live in close proximity to each other,it is thought it was to display their masculinity as well as to remind them of  the significant people or events in their lives. Many of the Flash designs from the 1920’s and 30’s are still popular today but now with women as well as men, and definitely not confined to those who go to sea.

Some extra sights!

We are just filling in time now until we go  to the ferry. Dinner was freshly caught and smoked flounder ( for me) and slow cooked beef for Mike. Meals here are served with baked potatoes and fresh or pickled vegetables quite often with aioli on the side or dressing…..not meat and 3  vegetables. Now a popular dessert is a pancake made with cooked semolina mixed into a normal pancake mixture. It is served with cooked fruits and cream. Yum,