EAST INDIAMAN AT BOAT SHOW
Amongst fast motor boats, model boats and everything else that can be seen and experienced at the annual Gothenburg Boat Show, representatives of the East Indiaman were present. Svenska mässan supports the project by offering to hire the site which we share with the rope manufacturer from Älvangen. The Boat Show takes place from 31st. January to 8th. February.
Those who visit the site during the Boat Show can see films about the fantastic craftmanship involved with the East Indiaman, and also a film from the launching. There is a quantity of different merchandise on offer, such as tea, porcelain mugs, pictures of the East Indiaman by Niklas Amundson, and also this year's calendar with photos by Åke Fredriksson.Representatives for the East Indiaman and the rope manufacturer in Älvangen are there. During the Boat Show they demonstrate how ropemaking takes place, using traditional methods. They deliver a large amount of rope to the East Indiaman, and until now, 15 tonnes out of 20 tonnes of hemp rope have been delivered.Nils Theslöf, alias Mr. Show, is one of the representatives at this year's Boat Show. Ideally, he has worked many years for the Swedish East India Company. He thinks it is fantastic to get out and meet interested, nosy visitors and answer the questions he is asked about the project. "That we can be at the show is significant, since we get visitors from far afield." Nils is the brainchild of the stamps being sold. At the same time this is an economic contribution to the East Indiaman. The Lions Club, of which Nils is a member, has acquired the first issue and it gave 60.000Kr. to the project. During its 50 years of existence, the Lions Club has, in a typical traditional Gothenburg way, participated in different culture-friendly aid projects, and during the launching, assisted with 32 ideal volunteer workers. Having the representative, Göran Ullman, at the Boat Show works well. He even jumps in as a guide from time to time at the yard. He has guided many foreign visitors, including the U.S. Ambassador, when he visited the East Indiaman. Göran has been involved with the project since 1994 and was bitten right from the start. On the launch day, he gave a speech, for 600 luncheon visitors, from Stena Line, which dealth with the Company and the forthcoming voyage. He thinks it is a fantastic project and looks optimistically towards the departure for China in 2005. Even the guide, Aina Wilén, amongst others, put in a big effort every day during the Boat Show. These people, together with hundreds of others, make it possible for the project to reach its final goal.
Writer: Chris MartinPhotographer: Mona Sundquist
Inger Landén buys a lottery ticket from Aina Wilén.
Rope manufacturers from Älvängen.
His majesty the King, Carl XVI Gustaf
