Norwegians have been known for their shipbuilding skills since Viking times when they terrorized Europe. While many were designed strictly for plunder, others were used for trade, colonization, and exploration. Part sailing ship, part rowing ship, their sleek construction allowed them to sail up shallow rivers or to navigate the open seas, then to quickly disembark on local beaches taking their victims by surprise. Their wooden construction consisted of oak planks overlapped and nailed together, often with fierce dragons on their bow and stern. The spaces were filled with tarred wool or animal hair, which made them watertight. Under favorable conditions, these boats could travel at about 17 knots (20 mph), which was quite fast in those days, and were just as adept at sailing backward as sailing forwards.
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