The Faroese boat is a descendant of the Viking longship that explored the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean more than a thousand years ago.
The boat handles exceptionally well on the sea. It was developed primarily as a light rowing boat but is also suitable for mast and sail. In modern days the boats are oftentimes fitted with small outboard engines.
Handicraft tradition
The Faroese boat is the utmost creation of Faroese handicraft. It is clinker-built, a technique developed in the Viking culture more than a thousand years ago. The boat is built by eye and rule of thumb. The Faroese boatbuilding skill is passed on from artificer to apprentice, an artform few master in our day and age.
The "Neyst"
The “Neysts” are boathouses sheltering the boats from weather
"Útróður"
The Faroese term for fishing with traditional boats is “útróður”. The word means “rowing out” and dates back to years long before engines. The boat’s foreman would be skilled at fishing but most importantly he had to have keen insight into sea currents and weather. When conditions were right the crew was summoned. A hymn was sung on the outward journey and another on the journey home.
"Kappróður"
“Kappróður” or boatracing in traditional Faroese boats is the national sport