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
1987-1993
The Beginning and the First Major Voyage
- The idea of restoring the Cossack chaika emerges in Lviv, Ukraine. Lviv artist and blacksmith Vasyl Kachmar ideates the project in collaboration with the “Kish” society, and lays the foundation for building the chaika “Presviata Pokrova”.
- Under the leadership of Vasyl Kachmar, the “Kish” society and a group of enthusiasts from various parts of Ukraine construct the chaika in Lviv. The design includes a sail-and-motor setup, 20 oars, and 6 falconet cannons.
- The chaika is launched, and the first expedition, titled “Ukrainian Sea”, begins, covering a route through Kyiv, Kherson, Istanbul, Athens, Naples, and other European cities.
1994-2001
Encounter with the Atlantic Ocean and New Expeditions
- “Presviata Pokrova” embarks on a voyage to London, where it draws significant interest from the international maritime community.
- The chaika participates in international maritime festivals in France, including Brest.
- The chaika continues its expeditions, visiting Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, and concluding its journey on the shores of Ukraine.
- A genuine Cossack chaika, dated to 1738, is discovered at the bottom of the Dnipro River. Its design is nearly identical to that of the reconstructed “Presviata Pokrova”, confirming the historical accuracy of the project and elevating its significance.
2004-2008
Expeditions in the Baltic Sea and Europe
- The “Ukrainian Baltic” expedition begins. The chaika participates in a Sea Song Festival in Poland, then sails via the Vistula River to Warsaw and Gdańsk.
- Journeys continue to Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, and Denmark. The President of Ukraine visits Chaika.
- “Presviata Pokrova” embarks on long maritime voyages across the Baltic Sea, visiting Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands.
- The chaika participates in international regattas and maritime festivals in France and the Netherlands.
2011-2022
Challenges and Restoration
- The chaika is moored in the port of Pont-Aven (Finistère, France), where it begins to deteriorate due to a lack of maintenance. Its wooden hull and engine suffer damage, and after a long period of inactivity, the boat’s hull starts to collapse.
- The restoration process begins, led by the chaika’s team.
- The project gains support from a new ambassador, the IT company N-iX, which becomes the chaika’s ambassador.
- After three years of repairs, “Presviata Pokrova” is back on the water but is unable to return to Ukraine, first due to the pandemic and then because of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
2023-2024
Journey to London
- “Presviata Pokrova” is preparing for a new voyage, which will start from the French town of Châteaulin, passing through Brest, Jersey, Calais, and concluding in London.
Ambassadors
Contacts
Media kit to download
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