A genuine, local Oslofjord sailing ship
This is the Busse, a Færdersnekke. What it has in common with all other boats of this type is the story of how the Færdersnekke came about: its origins lie in the traditional working boats of the Oslofjord.
Sailing races with working boats
The story of Færdersnekke boats started in the 19th century, out beyond the islands of Nøtterøy, Tjøme, Brøtsø and Hvasser, in what is now Færder municipality. From time to time, the fishermen and pilots used to have races in their boats – but they were all different, all working boats, all with traditional designs to suit their various purposes. Herring boats and mackerel smacks raced side by side.
From working boat to sailing boat
The pilots and fishermen had been racing their working boats, but in the summer of 1897 a change came: regatta enthusiasts formed the Færder Sailing Association. After that point, the boats taking part in the regattas started to become more alike, and they were given the name Færdersnekke. New boats were constructed following the template of their most successful predecessors, and gradually the type developed. The first Færdersnekke specifically built for racing was produced in 1912: the Signe I.
What makes Færdersnekke boats special?
The Færdersnekke is a sailing boat with a narrower hull than those of the traditional working boats of the Oslofjord. It is also carvel-built, as you can see – the hull is smooth, unlike those of traditional working boats, which are clinker-built (where the hull planks overlap). Færdersnekke boats have internal ballast to improve stability on the water, and they have a spritsail.
Head down to the boat hall to take a closer look at our Færdersnekke boat, the Busse.
Chosen by Jon, History student (34)
Artefact no. FMT.0221, the Oslofjord Museum