Framstig circa 1920 used as a ferry
"Framstig" has a multifarious and curious history. Her story began in 1914, in the small coastal town of Risør, Norway, as a cargo boat, transporting goods across fjords, which she did for several years. She was built using oak and weighed in at 60 tonnes. Soon after, a single mast was rigged onto deck and she began her career as a fishing vessel in the waters surrounding the coastal city of Ålesund. In 1920 she was sold (for NOK 30.000) and in the process, also rebuilt. A steering house and passenger saloon were added as Framstig began her new career as a ferry carrying passengers and some break bulk cargo. However, only a year later she changed hands, to the larger ferry company "Møre og Romsdal Fylkesbåtar" (MRF). Legend has it that the negotiations were ‘spirited’, earning Framstig the nickname ‘Kaulå’, a local expression for an argument. Once tempers calmed, Framstig settled well in the new owners´ hands and for the next 45 years she continued her work.
Framstig year 1980 w/ completed gaff sailing rig, ready for her voyage around the world
During WWII, as the German bombs were falling onto the town of Åndalsnes, Framstig was the last boat to leave the harbour. In the following years, as technology advances and the times moved forward, the shipping company MRF gradually expanded and renewed their fleet. ‘Framstig’ shifted to transporting fish between harbours and, as ice covered the fjords during the winter months, was also used as an icebreaker - capable of breaking ice up to 9 inches thick! She changed hands several times throughout the next few years until 1971, when during a large storm, she broke from her anchor and was thrown onto shore at the coastal town of Bud in Hustadvika. It wasn't until three years later that a group of dreamers discovered a forgotten Framstig, and realized her potential.
Under the new private ownership of Kåre & Svein Flem, Anne Sidsel Longvastøl, Oddvar Longva & Ove Nils Alvestad, Framstig now entered a period of 5 long years of rebuilding, most of which was undertaken at a drydock in Tomrefjord, where the local shipyard owners still had the specialised knowledge and skill on wooden vessels, which was quickly disappearing at this point in time.
As a result of the years of hard labour by the new owners and consultancy of the shipyard Framstig was once again ready for adventure in 1980 - rigged with two masts, brand new sails, and boundless passion for discovery. She then set off on a three year voyage around the world.
As a result of the years of hard labour by the new owners and consultancy of the shipyard Framstig was once again ready for adventure in 1980 - rigged with two masts, brand new sails, and boundless passion for discovery. She then set off on a three year voyage around the world.
Framstig at the Solomon Islands ca 1981
