Clinker boats – a Nordic collaboration

🎙️ Hello Rolf Blomdahl – why is Wooden Waves important for you?

Wooden Waves is an international project where we, together with associations in Finland and Estonia, want to highlight the history and craftsmanship of wooden boats – and show that it still lives on! For us at the Archipelago Museum, it is about getting support for what we are already doing, while also having the opportunity to showcase our knowledge to more people.

This project gives us:

✅ Visibility and attention – we become part of a larger context where our boats, stories, and knowledge are highlighted digitally and in various events.
✅ Support to develop – we get help to organize workshops, meetings, and document what we know. This allows new people to become interested and perhaps engaged.
✅ Contacts and exchange of experiences – with other associations and actors in Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. Perhaps we can also participate in a study trip!

What is expected from this?

We are participating as one of several associations. We should not carry the whole load ourselves – but we are responsible for contributing what we can: e.g., pictures, stories, ideas for workshops or events. We do this together with a project leader who coordinates so that we are not left alone.

Why right now?

Many associations have difficulty finding new active members. Through Wooden Waves we can gain new contacts, attention, and perhaps even hope for the future. This is a chance to show that our knowledge is important – and alive.

📌 How do you become a member?

📞 Call 073-983 78 03
📧 Or send an email
🌐 Please visit our website!

📌 Note: Program, times, and criteria for participation in the international study trips are currently being developed. More information will be published here in the autumn of 2025.
Keep an eye out – or contact us if you are interested in participating!

This information applies to you who are the convenor in a participating association:

As the contact person in your association, you are an important link between the project and your local activities. Your task is not to do everything yourself – but to coordinate the association's participation, convey information, and contribute to achieving your goals.

✅ Your most important tasks are:

• Be the contact person for the project leader

• Anchor the association's goals and activities in the board or working group

• Participate (or appoint another representative) in project meetings, e.g., workshops and gatherings

• Help document what you do within the project (photos, short texts)

• Follow up on how the project contributes to the association's development

💡 The project leader is available as support – you can always assist with coordination, materials, ideas, or formulations.

📦 You will also receive:

• Access to communication materials (templates, logos, info about the project)

• Support for applying for any local support/grants if needed

Thank you for helping to carry on the tradition – and develop the association's future!

🌍 Environmental analysis: Inspiration from our neighboring countries

Our LIA intern Linda has conducted a survey on how other countries work with cultural heritage and crafts – with a particular focus on wooden boats and maritime environments. The result provides valuable inspiration for how we can develop experiences related to our own project Wooden Waves!

🛶 In Denmark the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde combines historical exhibitions with live boat building and the opportunity to sail Viking ships.

In Norway the Hardanger Maritime Centre offers traditional crafts and boat rentals year-round, while the Risør Wooden Boat Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year with boats, music, and family activities.

In Finland Kuggom organizes boat building courses and Åland's Sea Quarter offers a complete experience with a shipyard, forge, museum, and food.

🏴 In Scotland the St Ayles Skiff movement has become an international phenomenon that unites people around clinker-built boats and local community.

🔁 What can we bring to Sörmlandskusten?

• A annual wooden boat weekend in places like Trosa, Nyköping Oxelösund – with rowing, sailing, craft market, and exhibitions.

• Experience days for the public , where you can try traditional crafts such as tar making, rope making, and boat rowing – inspired by Roskilde.

• An increased focus on hands-on experiences for both schools and tourists related to our living cultural heritage around wooden boats.

We thank Linda for an inspiring analysis that provides good nourishment for our continued development work!

We are inspired

The post rowing is an annual, cultural-historical competition and folk festival that involves rowing and sailing across the Åland Sea in traditional folk boats. The event is organized in memory of the postal farmers from Väddö and Eckerö who for almost 400 years had the obligation to carry mail and passengers over the often dangerous sea route.