WHAT IS THE GAJETA FALKUSA?

THE GAJETA FALKUŠA is a symbol of the Croatian maritime heritage.

During the 16th century, more than one hundred falkušas anchored in the bay of Komiža.

Owning to the gajeta, the fishermen from Komiza were the only offshore fishermen in the Mediterranean until the 19 th century.

The fishermen of Komiža developed a special type of gajeta by adapting it to the navigation and fishing conditions of the most remote routes.

Thus, the falkuša became the first Croatian fishing boat courageous enough to leave the Adriatic, reach the vast Mediterranean Sea and sail to the faraway island of Malta.

The gajeta is a boat about 9 meters in length by 2.55 metres wide.

It is a boat with remarkable maritime capabilities hiding two boats within one: a low rowboat suitable for fishing (especially for the hauling of the nets), and a sail boat with high strakes suitable for sailing and carrying freight.

It has a lateen sail and a flock with the total surface of 90 m² (similar to a two-bedroom apartment) along with removable side strakes called falks. This impressive boat can achieve speeds of up to 11 knots!