Exploring Ancient Maritime Practices
Jarrett recounted the experiences of long-range voyages, describing a rigorous schedule of four-hour shifts for work and rest. This pattern allowed just enough time for brief periods of sleep while also minimizing exposure to the biting cold, a constant threat on the open water. “We looked like penguins, wearing six layers of wool at all times and huddling together for warmth,” he recalled. He noted, however, that the temperate conditions of spring and autumn in Scandinavia often provided clear and sunny weather, making those seasons more favorable for sailing compared to summer.
Amid these challenges, the crew faced significant hurdles, such as the incident when the mast spar supporting the mainsail broke. In an effort to maintain their journey, they ingeniously fashioned a temporary solution by lashing two oars together to support the sail. Repairs to the boat took several days, all while sailing without a safety boat or engine, relying only on a life raft that remained unused.
Through his sailing experiences, Jarrett has come to believe that the Vikings navigated without modern tools such as maps or compasses. Instead, he proposes that they utilized “mental maps” or a “maritime cultural mindscape,” which were shaped by collective memories and oral traditions. This traditional knowledge likely included stories tied to renowned coastal features like skerries, small islets, and reefs.
According to Jarrett, maritime travel along the west coast of Scandinavia has a history that predates the Viking Age, potentially dating back to the late Neolithic period. He argued, “There have been extensive trading networks along the coast long before the Vikings, and this is reflected in the names of places found there.” He emphasized that the accumulation of experience over thousands of years made reliance on instrumentation unnecessary for navigation along familiar coastal routes.
