A traditional pasara boat built in 1954 will be renovated in Lovran with the help of EU funds
In recent years, we've seen a lot of praiseworthy initiatives in regards to preservation of Croatian traditional wooden boats. As part of their activity, the Ecomuseum Batana in Rovinj carried out multiple renovations of old batana boats and constructed new ones, while the Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding on Murter island is dedicated to preservation of the Betina gajeta.
The Lovran pasara is about to join the ranks, as EU funds in the amount of 40.000 kuna have been granted for a renovation project, reports Novi list on December 28, 2017.
In 2013, the 'Lovran Lantina' section of the Association 'Naš Lovran' purchased a wooden pasara built in 1954 by the renowned local shipbuilder Nino Gasparinic, thus continuing their ongoing efforts in preservation of traditional and maritime heritage of Kvarner. Members of the association submitted the funding proposal as part of the larger project named 'Mala barka 2' (Little Boat 2) that aims to procure funds for projects dedicated to preservation of maritime heritage of the Northern Adriatic related to traditional crafts such as shipbuilding, fishing, and sailing.
According to Silvano Raffaelli, the president of the Association 'Naš Lovran', the provided sum of 40.000 kuna will be used for a complete overhaul of the Lovran pasara. Volunteering members of the association have already removed the old layer of paint and deteriorated wooden parts, but the project called for substantial funds in order for the boat to be renovated properly. Ivan Kalčić, a shipbuilder from Lovran, will oversee the process.
The deadline is already looming on the horizon, as contractual obligation calls for the project to be completed before May 2018. The amount of work to be done is challenging, so the member of the section already started to procure required materials. There's one obstacle they might face, as the current worn-down shed at the association's headquarters in Lovran allows for work only in good weather conditions.
The renovated boat will be property of 'Naš Lovran', and according to the contract, will be required to participate in regattas and exhibitions. A big success for Lovran, a town known for its history of shipbuilding - congratulations!
