World’s oldest full rigged ship, headed to Maldives

The world’s oldest full rigged ship still in operation, oldest of the three Norwegian Tall Ships, Sørlandet – nicknamed “The pearl of Norway” will be arriving in Maldives soon.

The ship, on a two-year circumnavigation of the world with 70 high school students from A+ Academy, is currently docked in neighboring Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan media reports that Sri Lankan maritime students will be treated to a number of events on board the ship, which will be organized by Royal Norwegian Embassy.

The ship arrived in Sri Lanka on October 23, and will stay there before heading towards Maldives on October 30.

Maldives and Sri Lanka are just two of the 44 ports in 22 countries it will be visiting.

Its reported that “The pearl of Norway” was built in 1927 by ship owner O.A.T. Skjelbred, for 5,000 pounds sterling.

Its maiden voyage was to Oslo, the same year, where it is said to have been inspected by King Haakon and Crown Prince Olav.

It sailed to Chicago to take part in the World Fair in 1933 and was used by the German navy and served as a prison ship for deserters during World War II.

It was recorded as the first Norwegian training ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.