Tribute Sailing Voyage. July 10–19, 2026

Restauration Sets Sail on a Tribute Sailing Voyage, July 10–19, 2026

Honoring Those Who Made Her Homecoming Possible

In 2025, SS Restauration returned home to Norway after 200 years—made possible through extraordinary dedication on both sides of the Atlantic.

This Tribute Voyage is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the people whose support made this historic homecoming a reality. Among the most important contributors were Restauration's friends in New York City:
Victor Samuelsen, Ragnar Meyer Knutsen, Inger Tallaksen, and Victor Junior Stolt Nilsen.

Through an extensive fundraising campaign in New York City among Norwegian Americans, supporters, and history enthusiasts, they helped raise the funds that provided the financial foundation needed to bring Norway's most famous emigrant ship back home.

An especially meaningful contribution came from Victor Junior Stolt Nilsen, who generously provided a Circle Line vessel to serve as the escort boat during Restauration's historic arrival in New York City.
Together with everyone who purchased tickets and participated in the bicentennial commemoration, they became part of the remarkable community effort that transformed the event into an unforgettable occasion—and helped bring the vessel home.

Restauration's homecoming was far more than a voyage back to Norway. It was a reunion with the story of the 52 men, women, and children who left the city of Stavanger in 1825 in search of a new future in North America. Two hundred years later, the bonds between Norway and the United States were renewed through a shared commitment to preserving this remarkable story.

Following more than 60,000 volunteer hours organized by the Restauration Friends Association, together with contributions from supporters throughout Norway, the vessel that launched organized Norwegian emigration to North America has been given new life.

This Tribute Voyage is therefore also a thank-you to everyone who has contributed—from donors and supporters in New York City to volunteers, craftsmen, and all those who have invested their time, resources, and passion in preserving and sharing the story of Restauration.

Each port visited during the voyage also serves as a tribute to the coastal communities that supported the Bicentennial Voyage and helped keep this history alive.

Traveling aboard the ship is the short documentary "Restauration – In the Wake of the Emigrants", accompanied by storytelling presentations and the values-based America Trunk exhibit. Together, they share a story of courage, hope, volunteerism, and community—values that continue to unite people across generations and national borders.

Restauration is more than a historic vessel. She is a living maritime heritage ship that preserves and shares Norway's coastal traditions, traditional craftsmanship, volunteer spirit, and the inspiring story of those who dared to build a new future.

During each port visit, the ship will be open to the public. Opening hours will be announced on the vessel's website. Visitors are invited to step aboard, meet our crew, and learn about the Crossings200 Voyage and Restauration's unique place in Norwegian and Norwegian-American history.

Voyage Schedule

- Friday, July 10 – 5:00 PM: Departure from Finnasand Pier, Mosterøy. Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) on the island of Rott: approximately 8:00 PM.

- The voyage then continues to Egersund, where a local program has been arranged. ETA: 3:00 PM.

- The main port of call will be Farsund on Sunday, July 12, with special recognition of Victor Samuelsen. ETA: 3:00–4:00 PM.

- The Tribute Voyage then continues to Flekkefjord, with an estimated arrival on Wednesday, July 15, at 1:30 PM.

- Sirevåg – July 16.

- Tananger Harbor – July 17–19, where a special public program will take place.

Follow our journey on Facebook and Marine Traffic.

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A Tribute That Continues to Sail Forward

This Tribute Voyage is about more than remembering the past.

It is about gratitude.

It honors the people who made it possible to bring Restauration home.

It celebrates those who demonstrated that cultural heritage is preserved not only through timber and sails, but through the willingness of people to work together.

Restauration was never restored by one individual alone.

She was brought back to life by an entire community.

That is why this voyage is dedicated to them.

At the same time, the Tribute Voyage marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Restauration has already become a vibrant cultural venue.

In May alone, 443 schoolchildren participated in educational programs aboard the ship. The vessel was nominated for Gladmat Experience of the Year in Stavanger, inspired visitors during Slusedagen in Tysvær, and participated in the Skudefestival in Skudeneshavn.

Through open-ship events, historical storytelling, the short documentary "Restauration – In the Wake of the Emigrants," and the America Trunk educational exhibit, the vessel continues to create meaningful connections between people and history.

And this is only the beginning.

Following the Tribute Voyage, new adventures and public events await. Restauration will participate in the arrival of the Tall Ships Races in Stavanger, take part in ONS+ Stavanger, visit Fiskeridagene in Åkrehamn, and appear at several additional events along Norway's coast. More information on "What's happening in 2026?"

In this way, the ship continues to carry history forward—not as a museum, but as a living gathering place for maritime heritage, volunteerism, and community.

Welcome aboard—the journey of history continues.