The world’s largest modern-built Viking ship drew a big crowd in Boothbay Harbor last weekend. The Draken Harald Harfagre was greeted by 3,000 people Friday afternoon at Whale Park. And another 3,000 toured the ship during its three day stopover, according to Gimbel and Sons Country Store owner Mark Gimbel who along with the Fisherman’s Wharf hosted the ship’s visit.

As a Friends of Windjammers Days committee member, Gimbel tried unsuccessfully to book the Draken during the annual weeklong celebration earlier this month. But it seemed the visit was worth the wait for local residents and tourists.

“The visit definitely exceeded our expectations. “I had a couple business owners tell me they had the strongest weekend of the season. And I told them I was glad to hear it,” Gimbel said.

As the Draken left Boothbay Harbor Monday morning for Plymouth, Massachusetts, its next North American tour stop , Draken Expedition Leader Emanuelle Piersson asked Gimbel if the overwhelming response to the ship was because it came after Windjammer Days.

“For sure,” Gimbel said. “The spotlight was focused solely on the Draken.”

In 2010, Norwegian entrepreneur Sigurd Aase began a project to build the largest seaworthy Viking ship in modern times for recreating Norsemen’s travels to North America, according to drakenhh.com. In 2016, the Draken made its initial, 17- city Expedition America East Coast Tour. The Draken measures 115 feet from stem to stern. It is 26 feet wide, with 260 square meters of silk sail and a 79-foot tall mast made from Douglas fir.

The ship arrived at 4 p.m. Friday, July 13 and docked at Whale Park until July 16. The public greeted the 35-person crew during a ceremony. At 5 p.m., 35 guests attended a Highland Park Whiskey Tasting. Highland Park Whiskey, a single malt Scotch in Scotland, is a tour sponsor. In 2008, a large Viking ship was found buried near Orkney, Scotland which is also home to Highland Park Whiskey.

On July 14, guests paid $6 to $30 admission for a deck tour. During the 30-minute tour, guests were guided through the ship and offered a day-in-the-life look at the crew and historic craftsmanship used to build the ship constructed of oak, tar, hemp, iron and silk.

Within the Draken Village, guests had a free tour of photo and video exhibitions illustrating Viking history, modern explorers and adventures of the Viking ship.   At 7 p.m., ship captain Bjorn Ahlander spoke about the 2016 Atlantic Ocean crossing of the Draken. Gimbel reported 40 people paid $25 for the lecture.

On July 15,  the host committee reported 50 people paid $15 to see “Expedition America: A Modern Viking Adventure,” a Draken documentary at the Harbor Theatre.

Gimbel hopes the Draken returns to Boothbay Harbor soon. He reported Ahlander would “love” to return. The Draken doesn’t have a 2019 tour schedule ready.

“If they do head north in 2019, I will make sure Boothbay Harbor is a port of call,” Gimbel said.  

The North American tour began July 9 in Mystic, Connecticut. A second Draken visit to Maine is scheduled for July 22-25 in Rockland.

To learn more about the Draken ship, its crew and the tour, visit DrakenHH.com or @DrakenHH on social media.