Nautical Traditions of the Community in Cesenatico
Discover the stories of the Cesenatico community members as they share their personal experiences with nautical tradition. Through these videos, gain insight into the craftsmanship, heritage, and passion that keep this timeless tradition alive. Their perspectives highlight the cultural significance of shipbuilding and its role in preserving maritime heritage for future generations.
Cesenatico fisherman Lando Casali with his grandchildren.
"We are sailors' grandchildren; it's not easy to let go of tradition."
Mošćenička Draga: A Guardian of Maritime Heritage
Traditional boatbuilding is more than just a craft - it is a deeply rooted connection to maritime heritage and the soul of the sea.
Through the voices of fishermen and sailors, we uncover the profound bond between traditional boatbuilding and the local community of the Kvarner region.
“A wooden boat is a living thing. It has a soul,” reflects Josip Rubinić, a young boatbuilder, encapsulating the deep connection between this craft and the heritage it preserves.
This sentiment beautifully captures the essence of their stories and the traditions they tirelessly strive to protect.
Preserving Nautical Heritage Through Model Making
Andrea Belfanti, a 25-year-old traditional boat model maker from Verona, is bringing Adriatic maritime history to life through his intricate craft. Andrea's journey with the Adriatic PorTLand project began during a visit to the Maritime Museum in Cesenatico. At the time, the Batipai Group approached him with a commission to create a model of the Freccia Azzurra, a Burcio (a traditional flat-bottomed boat) from Sottomarina. This project became a pivotal moment in Andrea's career, as it deepened his involvement with Adriatic nautical traditions.
Andrea’s work also highlights the broader Adriatic nautical traditions, particularly focusing on the Terzo sail used on vessels such as Trabaccoli and Burci fluviali. His curiosity has led him to explore smaller vessels from the Dalmatian and Croatian coasts, expanding his expertise beyond Italian waters.
One notable recent project was his miniature replica of the Battana Vanessa, commissioned by the Adriatic PorTLand project. The Battana Vanessa, owned by the Maritime Museum in Cesenatico, symbolises the cultural connections that Andrea’s work seeks to foster. This introduced Andrea to new collaborators and organisations across the Adriatic, further uniting communities with shared maritime heritage.
Andrea sees his work as more than just crafting models; it’s a way to preserve and celebrate a shared history. Quoting a poet, he reflects, “The sea unites what the land divides.” This sentiment perfectly captures his dedication to connecting people, stories, and traditions through his craft.
As Andrea continues his journey, his efforts remind us of the power of passion, collaboration, and craftsmanship in keeping cultural heritage alive for future generations. "I hope to engage more enthusiastic young people in this endeavor, as I certainly don’t want to be the only one passionate about it", Andrea remarks, expressing his hope to inspire others to join him in reviving his interest in nautical history and craftsmanship.
Discover Andrea's stunning boat models and follow his journey on Instagram @mudsailor. Visit Laboratorio di Modellismo Mudsailor to see how he brings Adriatic maritime history to life with every detailed replica.
