The first thing that pops to mind when thinking of traditional Maltese fishing boats is the luzzu but that is not the only Maltese traditional boat that exists. The firilla (a mix of a luzzu and a kayak), also used to be a popular fishing vessel but it has almost gone into extinction withless than 20 remaining across Malta and Gozo.

Thankfully, the Non-Governmental Organisation known as Malta Traditional Boats Association is on a mission to make sure that the firilla does not disappear from the face of the earth.

It all started in 2019 when a group of friends were troubled when they heard one of the few firillas left was going to be destroyed. They quickly came together and raised the necessary funds to buy the boat and save it from destruction.

They then went on to fund the Malta Traditional Boats Association with the aim of preserving the traditional Maltese Maritime heritage.

The Malta Traditional Boats Association is now seeking the help of the public for donations as part of the ‘Ferilla Restoration project’, where they’re hoping to return a firilla that fell into a bad condition in the last few years, back to sea.

They want to:

1. Repair and replace wooden structural elements as needed.
2. Paint and finish the boat
3. Launch the boat
4. Install the original sailing gear- tarkija on the firilla
5. Install an electric motor on the boat.

As soon as the restoration is completed, they “aim to use the boat for educational purposes, teaching traditional sailing techniques and to participate in regattas to represent Malta in similar events in the Mediterranean”.

Those who wish to donate can do so through here.