A ferry service between the islands of Malta and Gozo has existed for centuries, and the earliest known reference to such a link date back to around 1241, when the boat was called the madia or tal-mogħdija. By the 16th century, Gozo boats took the shape of a brigantine. The earliest known depiction of a Gozo ferry boat is a painting from around 1750. At the time, the vessels were known as the speronara del Gozo or barca del Gozo, and they were almost identical to the speronara which was used for maritime trade. The Gozo boat became distinct from the speronara in the late 19th century, around the same time that the vessel's use for mercantile activities was declining. In the 1880s, the Gozo speronaras changed their sail arrangements to a settee rig, and they became known as tal-latini due to their similarity with lateen sails. In 1919, engines began to be installed on some Gozo boats, although many still retained their sails. Most Gozo boats were built at Kalkara in the Grand Harbour. The Caruana family, who were the last builders of Gozo boats, moved from there to Mġarr on Gozo in 1940. After 1959, a few Gozo boats were built in Gela, Sicily. The last one to be built was the Santa Rita in 1963. Gozo boats usually made trips from the Grand Harbour in Malta to Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. Other trips were made from the Grand Harbour to Mellieħa or to Marfa, or Mġarr to Marfa or St. Paul's Bay. The boats carried both passengers and cargo between the two islands. Trips from Gozo to Malta generally carried agricultural products such as fruit, vegetables, eggs, and poultry, while return trips from Malta to Gozo carried manufactured goods such as cement, soft drinks, and beer. Gozo boats were painted in shades of green, blue, red, and yellow, similar to the traditional luzzu. One boat, painted black, carried corpses between the islands.
Accidents
There were a number of accidents involving Gozo boats. Some were hit by rifle fire while passing the Pembroke Rifle Ranges, although the authorities warned the boats' masters in advance. In 1900, a Gozo boat that was being used for lampuki fishing capsized, killing one fisherman. Another boat lost her masts in 1911, but managed to enter St. George's Bay. In 1926, an unoccupied Gozo boat was found adrift in rough seas. In rare cases, they were involved in collisions with tugboats or pinnaces. In World War II, the boat Stella Maris was destroyed by enemy action.
Decline
By the 1960s and 1970s, regular steamer services began to compete with the Gozo boats, which were no longer cost-effective. The remaining boats were converted into fishing boats, or were abandoned at Mġarr Harbour. Since 1979, Gozo Channel Company Limited, which uses modern RORO ferries, provides ferry services to Gozo.
Surviving examples
Very few Gozo boats still survive today. One of these is the Sacra Famiglia, which was built in Kalkara in 1933. It had become unseaworthy by the 1970s, and was beached at Mġarr. The hulk was eventually purchased by a private individual who wanted to sell it to the Ministry for Gozo. It was then purchased by the Gozo Channel Company Limited, who handed it to Wirt Għawdex and sponsored its restoration. After the boat was restored by the Caruana brothers, it was placed on permanent display at the Żewwieqa promenade in 2014. Another surviving Gozo boat is the Maryanne, which was built in Gela in 1960. The boat remained in Gozo until February 1983, when it was purchased by Captain Morgan Cruises. The boat still belongs to Captain Morgan, who use it for cruises around Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. Maryanne is in good condition, but it no longer has the distinctive masts and a deck has been added. Another two or three Gozo boats which were converted into fishing boats might still exist.
Legacy
The Gozo boat has become a symbol of the island of Gozo, and a boat sailing on rough waters is featured on the flag and coat of arms of the village of Qala. Gozo boats are also found in the logos of various Gozitan organizations, such as the Gozo Philatelic Society and the Imperial Gozo Yacht Club. The classical 1970s song Id-Dgħajsa tal-Latini by the Maltese band New Cuorey is about a Gozo boat.
