Stuck in a Cogmire...

by Nicole
(Smithfield Virginia )

Hello There! I have a question about ships in the mid 1100's. I did read the Cog page....but I'm still lost. I'm particularly interested on ships that would have been used on the Isle of Mann. I hate to say this but....I'm writing a story - never fear though, I'm going north! I'm thinking that they would have used whatever was in use in Norway at the time?? So would it be a cog?? More important than the type of ship (because frankly I can just gloss over that if I have to!) I want to know if there was a period during the year when they could NOT sail north - so from the Isle of Mann to Norway. Could they sail in the fall and early winter or would they have to put the oars to rest until spring?
Thanks!!