The Malta Traditional Boats Association has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign on online platform Zaar Crowdfunding to raise the funds needed to restore a historic Maltese boat.

The type of boat in question is an extremely rare traditional fishing boat developed in the 17th century in Malta, called the “firilla,” which is similar to the “dgħajsa,” but is of stronger construction.

The firilla at the heart of the new campaign is 100 years old and had inspired the creation of the Malta Traditional Boats Association, when the NGO’s Founders, a group of friends moved by the boat’s imminent destruction, pooled together €500 to save it in 2019. The association has since worked to preserve, rekindle, and rediscover lost aspects of local maritime heritage and represent traditional Maltese boats worldwide.

“We have launched the Firilla Restoration project to restore this important piece of Maltese maritime heritage to its former glory,” one volunteer from the association said.

“Once completed, we aim to use the boat for educational purposes, teaching traditional sailing techniques and participating in regattas to represent Malta in similar events across the Mediterranean,” they added.

While the association has already secured some funds, the project requires additional support to complete each key stage of the restoration, from repairing and replacing wooden structural elements as required, to painting, finishing, and launching the boat, as well as installing the firilla’s original “tarkija” sailing gear and electric motor.

Through the crowdfunding campaign, the Malta Traditional Boats Association aims to raise €5,000 to complete the first stage of the project. At the time of writing, €2,660 has been raised from 55 backers, with the campaign ending on 28th February 2024. Many backers are looking forward to receiving an invitation to join the launch crew or sail aboard the fully restored firilla.

“We hope that through the generosity and the passion of the public and all those interested in traditional Maltese boats, we can together save a rare piece of Malta’s unique heritage from destruction and ensure that it can set sail out to sea where it belongs once again,” the Malta Traditional Boats Association volunteer continued.

In order to donate to the restoration of the traditional boat, visit the firilla campaign by clicking here. More information about the project is also available via email to [email protected].