Götheborg of Sweden is the largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship in the world, and an exact replica of a sailing ship from the 1700s. The original ship was part of the Swedish East India Company merchant fleet. In 1745 the original ship ran aground only a few hundred yards from her homeport in Gothenburg. A marine archaeological investigation was conducted at the wreck site during the 1980s, and in connection with the excavation, the idea was born to rebuild the ship using ancient handicraft methods and once again sail to China and the world. It took over 10 years to build the ship at a cost of £30 million. The unique project was followed closely by the ship's chief patron H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf and godmother H.M. Queen Silvia. Götheborg of Sweden is now sailing across the world’s oceans, representing Sweden, Swedish values, culture and industry. She is a symbol for peaceful relations between countries and the people of the world. Today she is widely used by officials and companies for special occasions.