The Santa Espina, an iconic lateen-rigged 'llaüt' of the sardinal type built in 1928 in Banyuls-sur-Mer, is once again sailing the Catalan waters. This historic vessel, which was active until the seventies and later restored, has been part of the collections of the Museu Marítim de Barcelona since 2016. In 2009, it was declared a Bé Singular del Patrimoni Català (Unique Asset of Catalan Heritage) due to its historical, patrimonial, and ethnological significance, representing one of the finest examples of traditional maritime heritage still sailing with a lateen sail.
The Maritime Museum has carried out extensive restoration and maintenance of the Santa Espina, equipping it with a new engine while adhering to strict criteria to preserve its heritage value. Now, through a usage cession agreement, the 'llaüt' will be made available to the public again by the Associació Patí Català i Vela Llatina Calafell and the Destil·leria – Ecomuseu de la Mar de Calafell.
This collaboration will serve to showcase the vessel as a significant part of Catalan maritime heritage and facilitate its sailing. The Santa Espina had been moored at the Port de Segur de Calafell awaiting the officialization of this agreement. The Barcelona museum views this cession as a valuable opportunity to promote its collection beyond its own facilities and contribute to the preservation of Catalonia's maritime legacy.
