The ''ferilla'' or ''firilla'' is a traditional fishing boat from Malta. It bears similarities to the ''

dgħajsa The ''dgħajsa tal-pass'' is a traditional water taxi from Malta. It is often simply referred to as the ''dgħajsa'' (, pl. ''dgħajjes'' ), but this word refers to any type of boat in the Maltese language. The boat developed in the 17th century, ...

'', but it is of stronger construction. The ''ferilla'' developed in the 17th century and it was common until about 1900. Some examples of this boat type still exist but they are rare.

History

The fishing boat which came to be known as the ''ferilla'' developed in the 17th century. At the time, it does not seem to have had a specific name, and the term ''ferilla'' referred to a type of small passenger boat which operated between Birgu and Senglea. By the 19th century, the fishing boat became known as the ''ferilla''. The ''ferilla'' tended to remain relatively close to land, initially due to fear of

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. It was the most popular type of boat used by Maltese fishermen until around 1900. A few examples still survive in Marsaxlokk,

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and possibly

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. There have been attempts to make replicas of this type of boat out of fibreglass. The boat also participated in the annual

rowing regatta Rowing is the act of propelling a human-powered watercraft using the sweeping motions of oars to displace water and generate reactional propulsion. Rowing is functionally similar to paddling, but rowing requires oars to be mechanically att ...

held in the Grand Harbour on 8 September from 1822 until it was replaced by the ''

frejgatina The ''frejgatina'' (plural ''frejgatini'') is a traditional fishing boat from Malta, its name meaning "little frigate." It is a small, carvel-built rowing boat. It is generally only used to move from the shore to a larger boat anchored offshore. ...

'' in 1935.

Description

The ''ferilla'' bears many similarities to the '' dgħajsa tal-pass'', but it was more sturdy since it was not confined to sheltered harbours. It has a taller forestem and a higher freeboard than the ''dgħajsa''. The bows of the ''ferilla'' usually depict the

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. The ''ferilla'' is usually less than long, and it was equipped with both oars and sails with a sprit rig. The boats have removable washboards.

References

{{fishing vessel topics Boat types Types of fishing vessels Maltese culture Maritime history of Malta