The original Gokstad faering probably did not have a mast, although a slightly larger boat from the same find had a mast step. However, Mr. Scofield modified the boat to include one. With a mast of only ten feet it is possible to step the mast, rig her and sail her with three people and to row her with only one person on board. However, like the Sae Hrafn, she is a Class B tallship (every one of her masts is square rigged). We have learned that the placement of the mast on the Gyrfalcon impairs her use under oar.
The Gyrfalcon is small enough to transport easily, and the Company often takes her overland to demonstrations and events. Most often, members of the Company are in attendance dressed in Viking costume, to tell people about the history of the Gyrfalcon and the history of the Gokstadt faering boat; provide information about Vikings, their history, colonization, living conditions, every day life; explain how longships fit into that history; use the faering boat to illustrate the rigging and other aspects of medieval ships; and answer whatever questions the public may have.
At work parties during the winter, the Gyrfalcon is sanded and re-varnished. Her various parts and equipment are checked and repaired if necessary These activities generally take place at work parties scheduled once a month during the months the Sae Hrafn is out of the water when either Gyrfalcon is more needing of work than the Sae Hrafn or the weather does not permit work on the Sae Hrafn. During the sailing season, repairs on Gyrfalcon are made as necessary. Members and other interested persons participate in these work parties.
We have received several requests for plans for the Gyrfalcon. We do not have plans but I suggest looking at some of the sites on the web links page (on the main menu) for more information. You could also contact the museum in Beaufort.
We do not recommend trying to scale down plans of a large boat unless you have extensive experience.
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