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$160.00
Polacca (AM1407) Length 45cm
A Polacca ship is a type of sailing vessel that originated in the Mediterranean region during the 16th century. It was initially used by the Venetian navy as a warship, but later on, it became a popular merchant ship due to its speed and versatility. The name ‘Polacca’ is derived from the Italian word ‘polacca’ which means Polish, as it was believed to have been first built in Poland.
A typical Polacca had a sleek and slender design with a length of around 120 feet and a width of 20 feet. It was a three-masted ship with a square-rigged sail on the foremast and lateen sails on the main and mizzen masts. This unique combination of sails allowed the Polacca to sail efficiently against the wind, making it a preferred choice for trade routes that required maneuverability and speed.
A polacca (or polacre) is a type of seventeenth- to nineteenth-century sailing vessel, similar to the xebec. The name is the feminine of “Polish” in the Italian language. The polacca was frequently seen in the Mediterranean. It had two or three single-pole masts, the three-masted vessels often with a lateen hoisted on the foremast (which was slanted forward to accommodate the large lateen yard) and a gaff or lateen on the mizzen mast. The mainmast was square-rigged after the European style. Special polaccas were used by Murat Reis, whose ships had lateen sails in front and fore-and-aft rig behind.
Some pictures show what appears to be a ship-rigged vessel (sometimes with a lateen on the mizzen) with a galley-like hull and single-pole masts. Thus, the term “polacca” seems to refer primarily to the masting and possibly the hull type as opposed to the type of rig used for the sails. Two-masted ships were referred to as brig-polaccas with square sails on both masts.
Three-masted ships were called ship-polaccas or polacca-settees
Amati’s kit includes pre-cut keel, frames and decks, wooden planking, metal and wooden accessories, sails and flags, decorations and cannons, instructions and construction plans.
Scale 1:150
Length 17.7″ (45cm)
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The hull of a Polacca was built using a technique called ‘carvel planking,’ which involved laying planks of wood tightly together to create a smooth and streamlined surface. This, combined with its slim design, made the Polacca incredibly fast and agile in the water. It could reach speeds of up to 12 knots, making it one of the fastest ships of its time.
One of the most notable features of a Polacca was its large cargo capacity. It had a spacious hold that could carry a variety of goods, including spices, silk, and other luxury items. This made it a valuable vessel for trade, especially in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. The Polacca was also equipped with cannons, making it a formidable warship when needed.
The crew of a Polacca ship was typically made up of skilled sailors and experienced merchants. They were responsible for navigating the ship, managing the sails, and ensuring the safety of the cargo. The captain of the Polacca held a high level of authority and was responsible for making important decisions regarding the ship’s route and trade negotiations.
The Polacca played a significant role in the Mediterranean trade during the 16th and 17th centuries. Its speed and maneuverability allowed merchants to transport goods quickly and efficiently, contributing to the growth of trade and commerce in the region. However, with the introduction of steam-powered ships in the 19th century, the Polacca ship gradually became obsolete.
Today, only a handful of Polacca ships remain, mostly used for recreational purposes or as tourist attractions. However, its legacy lives on, and the design of the Polacca ship has influenced the construction of modern vessels. The Polacca ship will always hold a special place in maritime history as a symbol of innovation and trade in the Mediterranean.
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