Due to the rapid growth of settlements along the west coast
during the 18th century, a need for vessels for local use was created.
In the beginning this was managed by using umiat (women’s
boats), but they were not solid and spacious enough for
the transport of goods and materials.
By the end of the 18th century smaller sailing boats, yachts and sloops were therefore
stationed in Greenland, and gradually also a few galleasses and
a schooner or two.
The galleass Emma, which was built in Marstal in 1884 and sent
to Julianehaab the following year, was one of the so-called cruise
vessels. In 1946 Emma ended her days as the last cruise vessel, well perhaps even the last commercial ship under Dannebrog, which was under sail only.
Issued 20.10 2003 Greenland Philatelic