The art of sailing with lateen and lug sails is included in the Register of Cultural Property of the Republic of Croatia

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15.02.2023

On February 14, the entry of the art of sailing with lateen and lug sails in the Register of Cultural Property of the Republic of Croatia, based on the Decision of the Ministry of Culture and Media, was marked symbolically in front of the Batana Eco-museum. In addition to the representatives and members of the Institution and Association House of Batana - Casa della Batana, the meeting was attended by representatives of the City of Rovinj-Rovigno, the Tourist Board of the city of Rovinj-Rovigno, the media and other citizens.

The proposal to declare the art of sailing with lateen and lug sails along the Croatian coast as a protected intangible cultural heritage was signed by 57 associations, institutions, museums, caulkers and shipyards that nurture Croatian traditional maritime heritage from all Adriatic counties.

The art of sailing with lateen and lug sails, as stated in the Register of Cultural Property, implies the art of steering a vessel using the power of the wind. In addition to the knowledge related to the equipment of the ship, the management of the sail and thus the vessel (navigation), the characteristics of the winds and the geography of the sea, the art of sailing includes a number of other skills and knowledge: the knowledge of materials suitable for making sails, tailoring sails, making masts and rigging, rudders and other equipment.

In addition to practical knowledge, the art of sailing with lateen and lug sails includes knowledge of maritime lexicon and social practices that were used to ensure safety at sea.

Equipping and managing a boat with sails is an art that is passed on through experience within the community and family, and sailing with traditional sails is popular along the entire Adriatic coast.