An endeavor that goes belly-up after a big launch is a failure, a disaster. That’s exactly what happened to the Vasa, envisioned to be the grandest ship in Sweden’s fleet, because it lacked the proper balance. In August 1628, the Vasa began her maiden voyage in a calm harbor. But as soon as the ship emerged from the city’s lee, a gust of wind filled its sails. The ship heeled sharply. With the next gust, open gun ports took in water. The Vasa sank only 400 feet from shore.