"The blue water, smitten by many oars, might be seen foaming far and wide" wrote a medieval monk who watched a Viking fleet set sail. Above: Detail from the Bayeux Tapestry, which commemorates the ...

Fees were introduced to launch boats, kayaks and paddleboards from the slipway at Minehead Harbour in April 2024 - and ...

Vikings raided for status, loot, slaves, and provisions. The tack spar helped control the sail’s front corner. Oar-holes could be closed when under sail, sealing out water in heavy seas.

They could cross the open oceans under sail and then switch to oars for lightning-fast hit-and-run attacks on undefended towns and monasteries. Far surpassing contemporary English or Frankish ...

the sailing club's secretary Debbie Allum said: "It would be appropriate, and appreciated, if the current and pending fees could be waived to allow paddles, oars and sail-based craft to launch ...