Detailed Product Description

Karaka is a very important kind of trading vessel for the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272-1808) . According to the information from the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum, karakas were the largest ships on the Adriatic Sea in the early 15th century, and in the 16th century were among the largest vessels in the world. 
During the 16th century, when the Dubrovnik Republic was at its peak, its shipbuilding industry produced almost 200 ships for the seas of the world. The citizens of Dubrovnik had earned a reputation as very distinguished builders of great karaka and galleon ships. That's why the name"Argosy" (derived from Ragusa, as Dubrovnik was formerly known) became a synonym for a great trading ship, likely referring specifically to a karaka ship. It is even mentioned by Shakespeare in his play "The Merchant of Venice". 
Between the 14th and 17th centuries, a karaka ship was normally quite large, one of the largest ships of that period. With its typical trading activity, it was also one of the most important sailboats of the Mediterranean Sea. Karakas can truly be considered the predecessors to the three-mast sailboats that developed and thrived until the 19th century. 
To expand the tourism possibilities and to illuminate the maritime history of Dubrovnik, the travel agency "Navicula"has undertaken the complex task of building a replica. The new Karaka will sail in and around Dubrovnik waters, evoking the rich Dubrovnik maritime history by taking tourists out for daily excursions and for occasional special events. Since no maps or blueprints of an original karaka exist, the reconstruction of the Karaka was a challenge. Much information was gathered from assorted descriptions and pictures found at the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum. To recreate the feel of the 16th century, special attention was given to every possible detail in the reconstruction process. Meanwhile, many aspects of the ship have been adjusted to modern tourism standards. Though the Karaka's foundation is steel, its interior will appear as a beautiful historic artefact.