Authentic reproduction of a Cossack chaika
Promotion of Ukrainian cultural heritage in the world
cossack chaika
About the project
Authentic Reproduction of Ukraine's Historical Heritage
The Cossack chaika “Presvyata Pokrova” is a modern reconstruction of a warship from the Cossack era, serving as a bridge between the past and the present, promoting awareness of Ukraine’s cultural heritage as a maritime nation.
The “Presvyata Pokrova” was built in 1992 by a group of enthusiasts from the Lviv Cossack society “Kish,” led by artist-reconstructor Vasyl Kachmar, along with activists from various cities across Ukraine who joined at different stages of the reconstruction. The design of the chaika was based on ancient descriptions and blueprints preserved in archives following the construction of the Cossack fleet on the Danube River during the storming of the Turkish fortress of Izmail. “Presvyata Pokrova” was built on the premises of the plywood factory in the town of Bryukhovychi, near Lviv, Ukraine.
Starting its maritime journey from the Dnipro River to the coasts of Europe, over the course of three decades, the ‘Presvyata Pokrova’ has sailed thousands of nautical miles, proudly representing Ukraine at international maritime festivals and events, including those in France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. This authentic vessel consistently draws attention, introducing foreigners to the storied history of Ukrainian seafaring and highlighting Ukraine’s role in shaping European history.
Vessel Specifications
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Overall Length - 20 meters
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Overall Width - 3.5 meters
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Draft - 0.6 meters
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Construction Material - Wood (oak)
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Assembly Method - Metal rivets
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Main Square Sail Area - 54 square meters
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Crew Capacity - Up to 30 people
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Armament - Up to 8 falconet-type cannons
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