Condura Croatica

The millennial continuity of shipbuilding on the eastern Adriatic coast is evidenced by a vessel from the wider Zadar region, Condura Croatica. In 1966 the sunken remains of vessels were discovered near the town of Nin. After numerous researches and studies it was determined that they were old Croatian vessels from 9^th, 10^th and 11^th century. The length of these vessels was from 8 to 9 meters, the width from 3 to 3.5 meters, the height of the sides from 0.7 to 0.8 meters, and their draft was below 0.4 meters. Condura had from 28 to 30 frames made of one or more pieces of timber. The keel was a broad and thick plank on which the ribs were attached, and then the framing was attached to the ribs. Wooden plugs or nails were used as fasteners and the planking was caulked and tarred on the inside, to close the space between adjacent boards. The mast indicates that this type of vessel was driven by the wind. The Condura crew probably consisted of 10 men. The vessel would sit 8 rowers, one man was placed near the steering oar while the tenth man was the commander and lookoutman.