Jacobstads Wapen

A Piece of Maritime History

Jakobstad and the surrounding regions have over 450 years of shipbuilding traditions. When the original galeas Jacobstads Wapen was launched in 1767 in Jakobstad, it was one of over a thousand sailing ships built in the area over the centuries. Jacobstads Wapen was the first ship from Jakobstad to sail abroad after navigational freedom was granted in 1765.

» Read more about the construction of Jacobstads Wapen!

The work was carried out mostly by volunteers over several years, funded primarily by contributions from local businesses. The ship did its maiden voyage in 1994 and offered public sailings in the Gulf of Bothnia. Since 2005, the ship has been located at the shipyard in Gamla Hamn (Old Harbor), next to the Vega Hall.

Honoring Shipbuilding Traditions

The idea of building a replica—a large wooden sailing ship using traditional craftsmanship and authentic materials—took shape in Jakobstad in the early 1980s. The goal was to develop tourism in Jakobstad and preserve the city’s rich maritime heritage.

» See photos from the construction!
Jacobstads Wapen, photo by Lennart Hedlund

Jacobstads Wapen in Furuögrund, 1999. Photographer: Lennart Hedlund.


» Read more about the construction of Jacobstads Wapen!