RESTAWR TA' QOXRA TAL-BAHAR
A collaboration between Marsaxlokk Heritage, the Malta Tourism Authority and Heritage Malta titled “Restawr ta’ Qoxra tal-Bahar”.
This project seeks to preserve the art and craftmanship of traditional boat builders by restoring a wooden boat previously discarded and left to ruin.
The boat
The boat is 6m Firilla which is approximately 100 years old. The last owner was a fisherman from Marsaxlokk known as 'Kallalu'. His family kindly donated the boat to Marsaxlokk Heritage to attempt to restore it. This is one of the few Firllas left on the island. It is one of the earliest types of Maltese fishing boats, and was generally used in harbours. Originally it used to have a ‘Tarkija’ sail. The current state of the Firilla is bad, however after being surveyed by boat building experts Delcappo Brothers - Kalkara, the boat can be restored to its former glory and returned to sea, also armed with a ‘Tarkija’ sail.
Project phases
Cleaning and Paint Stripping
Cleaning and Paint Stripping
Cleaning and Paint Stripping
In this phase, the boat has been cleaned, it's original engine removed, and the paint was also stripped, to figure out which parts need to be replaced, and which parts can be restored. This phase has already been completed by the Marsaxlokk Heritage volunteers.
Restoration and Woodwork
Cleaning and Paint Stripping
Cleaning and Paint Stripping
The second phase is one that requires a great deal of skill, and can only be done by boat building experts (few of which remain on the islands). The company entrusted with this task will be the Delceppo brothers, who already contributed to past Maltese traditional boat restorations.
The whole process will be documented, and shall be upl
The second phase is one that requires a great deal of skill, and can only be done by boat building experts (few of which remain on the islands). The company entrusted with this task will be the Delceppo brothers, who already contributed to past Maltese traditional boat restorations.
The whole process will be documented, and shall be uploaded on this website in form of a series of vlogs. Any enthusiast or carpenters please get in touch with us if you wish to witness the boat building process in action, as occasionally we shall be organizing visits to the workshop.
Painting / Tarkija sail
Cleaning and Paint Stripping
Painting / Tarkija sail
Once restored, the boat will be transported back to the Marsaxlokk seafront for the paint job. The main participants of this phase will be the community and enthusiasts, as there is no need for previous experience. This phase will be led by local fishermen who will explain what the colors mean, and the event shall be open to any volunte
Once restored, the boat will be transported back to the Marsaxlokk seafront for the paint job. The main participants of this phase will be the community and enthusiasts, as there is no need for previous experience. This phase will be led by local fishermen who will explain what the colors mean, and the event shall be open to any volunteers, and will be publicised with tourists and secondary students.
The Firilla will also see an original ‘Tarkija’ sail rig installed to it. This long lost tradition on Maltese boats shall be revived with a very eye pleasing version of the traditional boats.
The Firlla shall be named 'Kallalu' after the last owner.
Using the Boat
Cleaning and Paint Stripping
Painting / Tarkija sail
Like any other restoration project, restoring is just the beginning. Once at sea the boat will moored in Marsaxlokk bay, and will be used for tourisim purposes with focus on traditional Maltese fishing and traditional boats, while also visiting the beautiful landmarks of these ports.
Agreements with local fishermen will be done to tailor
Like any other restoration project, restoring is just the beginning. Once at sea the boat will moored in Marsaxlokk bay, and will be used for tourisim purposes with focus on traditional Maltese fishing and traditional boats, while also visiting the beautiful landmarks of these ports.
Agreements with local fishermen will be done to tailor a unique Maltese fishing experiences.
These experiences will attract tourists and locals alike.
a collaboration
