The Fullrigger Jarramas

Training Ship of the Naval Cadet Corps

The Naval Cadet Corps (Skeppsgossekåren) was founded in 1685 to train young boys to become capable sailors in the Swedish Navy. Theoretical studies on land such as Christian education, reading, and writing were combined with more military-oriented training at sea aboard Crown-owned ships or, for a time, on merchant vessels. Eventually, the Corps received its own dedicated ships.

In 1799, the Corps received its first training ship, the brig Diana, followed by many others. Jarramas was launched in 1900 and became one of the last vessels used by the Corps. By then, the organization had existed for over two centuries. When it was dissolved in 1939, it had operated for more than 250 years. For the thousands of boys who had gone through it over four centuries, it had been a tough school in many ways. Discipline was strict, and peer discipline could be harsh and oppressive. At the same time, the Corps was a path to a better life for many, and a significant number of non-commissioned officers in the Swedish Navy had once been cadets.

One of the World’s Smallest Full-Rigged Ships

In February 1900, Jarramas was launched, a ship that would eventually become one of Karlskrona’s most iconic symbols. It cost over 150,000 kronor to build, a considerable sum of money at the turn of the century. Built of steel, Jarramas served as a training ship for the Naval Cadet Corps in Karlskrona. With a length of 39.15 meters and a weight of 350 tons, she is one of the smallest full-rigged ships in the world. Jarramas was the last sailing ship to be built at the naval shipyard in Karlskrona, and just months after her launch, she embarked on her first expedition in May 1900.

Over 90 cadets were aboard, along with officers, petty officers, sailors, and a doctor. The voyage took place in Swedish waters, and with enough food for 35 days and water for 28 days, Jarramas could remain at sea for extended periods. Over time, the ship also made some international visits – the first to Leith, Scotland, in 1907.

After the Naval Cadet Corps was dissolved, Jarramas lay idle at the naval shipyard in Karlskrona for a few years. However, during several summers in the 1940s, she sailed again, this time with cadets from the Royal Naval Academy and the Navy’s Seamen’s School.

A Beloved Symbol of Karlskrona

In 1946, Jarramas was officially retired from service, and her future was uncertain for a time. In 1950, the historic training ship was sold to the city of Karlskrona for 30,000 SEK, a purchase that marked the beginning of her public fame. The ship was moved to Borgmästarefjärden in the city center. There, she was transformed into a summer café and hosted popular folk music evenings. The ship became a social hub in Karlskrona and gradually grew into a symbol of the city itself.

In 1997, the municipality donated Jarramas to the Naval Museum. Today, she lies moored outside the museum and will likely remain an enduring symbol of Karlskrona for many years to come.