Wessel shipyard
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As you stand on the municipal quay in the centre of Kyrksæterøra, you can see the area where the old Wessel Shipyard thrived in its heyday. Originally, the shipyard was established in Vinjeøra, a village located 13 kilometres from here. At the end of Vinjefjorden, Just Wessel built his first sailing ships before closing operations there in 1856 and relocating the shipyard to where you now stand. During the 1860s and 1870s, a multitude of sailing ships were constructed here in Kyrksæterøra. At its busiest, there were 100 men working at the shipyard. Additionally, there were another 100 men in the forests and sawmills simultaneously, so the story goes. Shipyard owner Just Wessel delivered vessels that sailed in South America and the Mediterranean, and these ships had a reputation for being among the finest. Many of the ships were commissioned by shipowners in Kristiansund, engaged in the export of clipfish and timber. It is said that the workers here were well-treated. Their accommodation and meals were provided for by the shipyard owner, and when the weather turned particularly harsh and cold, it is told that the workers received a splash of cognac in their porridge. Furthermore, they had the privilege of attending the celebrations held when a ship was launched. On such occasions, they had the opportunity to taste exotic food and beverages that Wessel had obtained through trade with South America. If you continue further up Øragata, you will reach Wesselgården, where Just Wessel had his main residence during his time operating the shipyard here.