Update (8/17): The Draken Harald just said "After posting that we will sail to Detroit, we received lot of question so just for clarification: The Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle welcomes non-members as guests to tour the Draken during open tour times. Guest are welcome on Saturday August 20th: 10-4pm and Sunday August 21st: 10-6pm."
Update (8/19): The Draken is now docked at the Detroit Yacht Club. Here are a few details on the public viewing at the Detroit Yacht Club:
- Parking could be difficult. Visitors will need to park outside the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. Since it's on Belle Isle, cars must also have a recreation pass. Be prepared to walk a ways to get to the boat.
- Visitors will be given a wristband to tour the ship.They'll also be expected to stay on certain paths to board the ship.
- Expect a wait. When I went to Bay City to see the tall ships, there was a 2+ hour long wait for each. Just be prepared in case.
- Cost? From what we've heard, $10 for adults, $5 for children (cash only).
Tall ships often make their way around the Great Lakes during the summer. This year, a Viking ship has sailed from Norway, through the Great Lakes, and is heading back again. We’re lucky enough to have it stop in Detroit this weekend, August 19.
The Draken Harald Hårfagre will dock at the Detroit Yacht Club starting August 19. It’s had quite the tumultuous summer, after encountering unexpected pilotage fees when they entered the St. Lawrence Seaway. Sons of Norway is raising money for their costs, and they’re continuing to make stops throughout the Great Lakes.
You can track their path (or any tall ship on the Great Lakes) at the Fleet Tracker.
Built as a viking ship for modern times, the Draken Harald is quite impressive,
"In March of 2010, construction began on what would be the largest Viking ship ever built in modern times. Named after Harald Hårfagre, the king who unified Norway into one kingdom, the great dragon ship came together in the town of Haugesund in Western Norway.
At a hundred and fourteen feet of crafted oak, twenty-seven feet on the beam, displacing eighty tons, and with a thirty-two hundred square foot sail, this magnificent ship is indeed worthy of a king."
Today they announced they’ll be docking in Detroit for the weekend. From their updated Facebook post:
"Draken sails to Detroit! We will arrive on Friday 19th of August and stay throughout the weekend at Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. The Detroit Yacht Club welcomes guests for deck tours during the following times:
Saturday August 20th: 10-4pm
Sunday August 21st: 10-6pm
How will a sailing vessel be welcomed to Motor City?"
How often can you say you’ve seen a Viking ship sail in Detroit?
And to see how far they’ve come, this is the route they’ve taken.
And yes, we’d love to see your viking boat pictures when you take them.