Maltese traditional fishing boat, in use from the 17th-19th centuries
The ferilla or firilla is a traditional fishing boat from Malta. It bears similarities to the "dgħajsa", 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 Barbary pirates. It was the most popular type of boat used by Maltese fishermen until around 1900. A few examples still survive in Marsaxlokk, St. Paul's Bay and possibly Gozo. There have been attempts to make replicas of this type of boat out of fibreglass.
The boat also participated in the annual rowing regatta held in the Grand Harbour on 8 September from 1822 until it was replaced by the "frejgatina" 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 Eye of Horus.
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.
The "ferilla" is recognizable by its very tall fore stem and short aft stem, some examples carried a double layer of gunwhale (the area that rests above the "tappiera", which is painted brown on today's boats). These boats carried a "tarkija" sail, a type of spritsail that has the foot of the yard resting on the "bank il-lasta" rather than being lashed to the mast.
References.
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