Gozo Channel Co. Ltd showed a keen interest in the restoration and conservation of the Dgħajsa tal-Latini, the last surviving example of Malta’s nautical heritage, since it was first approached by Wirt Għawdex 12 years ago.

At that time, Gozo Channel purchased the boat and handed it over to Wirt Għawdex and also offered to fully sponsor the restoration works. The Dghajsa tal-Latini is, in a way, the predecessor of the Gozo Channel service itself.

The last surviving Dgħajsa tal-Latini was in reality just a hulk of a long-abandoned lateen boat christened the G32 Sacra Famiglia. It was beached and pronounced unseaworthy in the 1970s and stood blocking a slipway at Mġarr. It was eventually bought by an entrepreneur who wanted to sell it to the Gozo Ministry. Wirt Għawdex intervened, stating that the boat, seen through a cultural perspective, was priceless.

The boat was put back in the capable hands of the Caruana Brothers, sons of the original builder, who have carried out extensive restoration work, which is now completed.

A permanent display location has also been identified and it will eventually form part of the Żewwieqa project.

Gozo Channel Co. Ltd has chosen to continue with its generous support by sponsoring the yearly maintenance costs of this important part of Malta’s maritime history.

During the presentation, Gozo Channel chairman Paul Curmi, who presented the sponsorship donation to Franco Masini, president of Wirt Għawdex, said the company was very pleased to have supported Wirt Għawdex throughout the restoration process and promised to continually do so to keep this relic alive and for the enjoyment of visitors to the islands.

Mr Masini thanked Gozo Channel for its continued support and encouraged other organisations to have corporate social responsibility at heart and team up with Wirt Għawdex to continue protect-ing the rich Gozitan culture and history.