European Tour 2023

Sailing boat rescued by the Götheborg

03 May 2023

Imagine losing your rudder out at sea and sending out a distress call. And then the largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship in the world comes to your rescue. Or in the words of the sailors on the sailing boat: "This moment was very strange, and we wondered if we were dreaming. Where were we? What time period was it?"

This all happened off the coast of France last week. To our knowledge it is the first time that an east indiaman, and the first time for Götheborg, to engage in such a rescue. Now we also have the images and story from the sailing vessel that was rescued.

Photo: David Moeneclaey

Tuesday last week, the 25^th of April, Götheborg of Sweden was heading for the upcoming portstop in Jersey. Just after 4pm, a distress call was sent by the MRCC regarding a sailing vessel that had lost its rudder and was drifting. Being the closest ship to the sailing boat, Götheborg answered the call.

The sailing boat was towed after the Götheborg during the night from the 25th to the 26th of April. In the morning the 26th of April, a French search and rescue boat from the port of Paimpol came and met up off the French coast.

Two days ago, Monday 1st of May, the crew at the Götheborg again came into contact with the two sailors on the sailing vessel, and they shared their side of the stories and photos. They did not expect an 18th century merchant ship to come to their rescue. Or in their own words: "This moment was very strange, and we wondered if we were dreaming. Where were we? What time period was it?"

For us it was an honour to be able to help out, and an experience for everyone on board!

Scroll down to read the full story of the sailors on the sailing boat.

Götheborg approaching. Photo: David Moeneclaey

Sailing boat on tow. Photo: David Moeneclaey

Search and rescue boat arriving from Paimpol in France. Photo: Linus Hjelm

Sailing boat route. Photo: David Moeneclaey

Text from the sailors on the sailing vessel Corto

On April 25th at 01:00, we left Cherbourg and set sail for Camaret (the tip of Brittany).

We are two experienced sailors on board (Simon and me) with the objective of bringing the boat to Southern Brittany.

At 15:30, we were at sea, more than 50 nautical miles from the coast, when our rudder broke. After sending a PAN-PAN call on the VHF radio, the three-masted sailboat Götheborg quickly responded to our call, offering to tow us to Paimpol (France).

We repeatedly emphasized that we were aboard a small 8-meter sailboat, but the response was the same each time: "We are a 50-meter three-masted sailboat, and we offer our assistance in towing you to Paimpol." We were perplexed by the size difference between our two boats, as we feared being towed by a boat that was too large and at too fast a speed that could damage our boat.

The arrival of the Götheborg on the scene was rapid and surprising, as we did not expect to see a merchant ship from the East India Company of the XVIII century. This moment was very strange, and we wondered if we were dreaming. Where were we? What time period was it? The Götheborg approached very close to us to throw the line and pass a large rope. The mooring went well, and our destinies were linked for very long hours, during which we shared the same radio frequency to communicate with each other.

The crew of the Götheborg showed great professionalism and kindness towards us. They adapted their speed to the size of our boat and the weather conditions. We felt accompanied by very professional sailors. Every hour, the officer on duty of the Götheborg called us to ensure everything was going well.

The next day, as we approached the French coast, we radioed for another boat to help us enter the port, but no one responded positively. Around noon, the Götheborg approached us as closely as possible and stayed by our side until the arrival of a French rescue boat to ensure that everything would go well for us before letting us go.

This adventure, very real, was an incredible experience for us. We were extremely lucky to cross paths with the Götheborg by chance and especially to meet such a caring crew.

Dear commander and crew of the Götheborg, your kindness, and generosity have shown that your ship is much more than just a boat. It embodies the noblest values of the sea, and we are honored to have had the chance to cross your path and benefit from your help.

We thank you again for everything you have done for us.

Sincerely,

David Moeneclaey (skipper of the sailboat Corto)

THE FRIENDS OF THE EAST INDIAMAN GÖTHEBORG INVITE YOU TO A WONDERFUL EVENING 19 MARS 18:00

19 March 2026

During the evening we will be joined by Mats Berggren, who during the construction period represented the Swedish Maritime Administration as a determined and persistent inspector, and Marie-Louise Edholm, who took part in building the rigging, has sailed with the ship, and has been responsible for the maintenance of the rig. You will gain insight into traditional craftsmanship, material choices, and the many challenges involved in combining historical authenticity with modern safety and operational requirements. If you were involved during this period, perhaps you have a story of your own to share. We would love to hear it! About halfway through the lecture, coffee and pastries will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go directly toward the re-rigging of the ship. Registration is free of charge. Please register by emailing: vanner@gotheborg.se A warm welcome! The Friends of East Indiaman Götheborg Association

PLANS FOR THE EAST INDIAMAN GÖTHEBORG TAKE SHAPE – NEW EXPERIENCE CENTER PROPOSED AT MASTHUGGSKAJEN

18 March 2026

PRESS RELEASE 2026-03-18 Plans for the East Indiaman Götheborg take shape – new experience center proposed at Masthuggskajen Following growing interest in the future of the East Indiaman Götheborg, Greencarrier now presents detailed plans for a new permanent quay location and an adjacent experience center at Masthuggskajen in Gothenburg. The ambition is to create a new destination in the city ahead of the 300th anniversary of the Swedish East India Company in 2031. The first vision images are now being presented. An interactive experience center The project includes an interactive experience center directly connected to the ship, where visitors will be able to explore: the history of the East Indiaman Götheborg Gothenburg’s role as a trading city the importance of maritime activity – from the 18th century to today’s global trade and logistics “The East Indiaman Götheborg is a symbol of Gothenburg’s origins as a city of trade and maritime heritage. With this project, we aim both to preserve history and to create something that inspires the future – a place where business, academia and the public can meet,” says Stefan Björk, founder of Greencarrier and initiator of the project. A new destination for the city The proposed location at Masthuggskajen will make the ship more accessible and visible to both residents and international visitors. In connection with the ship and the experience center, plans also include: a restaurant office spaces for businesses within maritime, trade and logistics The project aligns with Gothenburg’s ambition to strengthen its position as an attractive destination and meeting place. The goal is to create a vibrant cultural and knowledge hub that contributes to the city’s development and reinforces its connection to the sea. Timeline linked to the 2031 anniversary The objective is for the experience center to be completed in time for the 300th anniversary of the Swedish East India Company in 2031. The plans have been developed in collaboration with: Rstudio (architects) CoForma (project developer) Ongoing dialogue is taking place with the City of Gothenburg, with Business Region Göteborg as a key partner. “To realize the project on time, we need a decision during the spring. We hope that both citizens and policymakers see the opportunities this project would create for the city, tourism and business,” says Stefan Björk. A long-term investment Greencarrier, owner of the Götheborg since 2021, plans to finance the experience center and continue to manage the ship’s operations and maintenance. The vision is to create an iconic place and a living meeting point for future generations. “The Götheborg belongs to the people of Gothenburg. Together with enthusiasts, companies and the city, an impossible project became reality when the ship was completed in 2003. Since then, it has had a strong international appeal. Now we want to complete the circle and give the Götheborg its natural home port in Gothenburg – making it accessible to all while preserving it for future generations,” says Stefan Björk. Current location Until further notice, the ship remains at Eriksberg and is open to visitors during large parts of the year. For more information Anna Svensson Head of Project Management, Greencarrier 📞 +46 76 529 73 21 ✉ anna.svensson@greencarrier.com Images: Vision images may be used freely in connection with publication. Credit: R-Studio About the East Indiaman Götheborg The original East Indiaman Götheborg was one of the ships of the Swedish East India Company and completed three voyages to China between 1739 and 1745. On its return from the third voyage, the ship ran aground just outside Älvsborg Fortress and sank. Much of the cargo was salvaged, and the entire crew survived. More than 250 years later, in the 1990s, diving expeditions began at the wreck site, and in 1995 construction started on a full-scale reconstruction of the ship, completed in 2003. The replica has since sailed on several international voyages, including to China, Australia, Brazil and across Europe, serving as a platform for international relations and trade. In 2023, Götheborg participated in Gothenburg’s 400th anniversary celebrations. More information: gotheborg.se About the Swedish East India Company (SOIC) Founded in 1731, the Swedish East India Company became one of Sweden’s most successful trading enterprises. During the 18th century, it contributed significantly to the development of Gothenburg and to advances in trade, shipping, shipbuilding, science and infrastructure. Today, Greencarrier revives the company by creating a modern trading platform where contemporary logistics meets historical maritime heritage. More information: soic.se About Greencarrier Group Greencarrier Group is a Swedish family-owned company. Founded in Gothenburg in 2000, the group has grown into seven companies with more than 350 employees and operations in 15 countries. The company provides global logistics and shipping solutions and is also the owner of the Swedish East India Company and the Götheborg. More information: greencarrier.com

Ostindiefararen's Christmas market is here again!

23 October 2025

It's time once again for a Christmas Market on the pier by the ship! For three days, December 5 – 7, from 11:00 to 17:00 – the area will be filled with festive scents, lights, and exhibitors offering unique handicrafts and Christmas gifts, from ceramics and textiles to jewelry and woodwork. At the market, you'll find: Exhibitors with unique Christmas gifts and crafts Activities for children, both onboard and on the pier A chance to explore the ship Götheborg Hot food and drinks to warm you in the winter chill Traditional glögg and other festive treats Live performances by Götheborg’s own shanty choir Bring your family, friends, and colleagues to kick off December with a truly maritime Christmas celebration! Warm welcome! Are you an exhibitor and want to book a table? Fill in this form: https://forms.gle/oXEmXNGNH9KpYRFb6 Would you like to perform or have another great idea that fits the event? Get in touch at bokning@gotheborg.se