[deltarholamda]

The construction methods of longboats is really quite impressive. You get a lot of strength out of the clinker-style construction, but the structure retains a lot of flexibility so it moves with the ocean. Which means you can trade beam for length and get a faster boat.

And it was the SUV of its day. Shallow draft meant it had access to inland waterways, much to the consternation of various monasteries and villages.