Dhows

Along the Mozambican coast, particularly in the north of the country, traditional wooden boats with large triangular sails are a familiar sight. Known as dhows, these vessels have been part of the Indian Ocean's maritime history for centuries. Yet what is most remarkable about them lies in the techniques used to build and sail them.

For centuries, some of these vessels were literally sewn together. Instead of using metal nails, boatbuilders drilled small holes in the hull planks and joined them with ropes made from plant fibres, often produced from coconut husks. This technique gave the structure a degree of flexibility, allowing it to move with the waves. The joints were carefully sealed to prevent water from entering.

Although many modern dhows use nails and other fastening systems, the construction of sewn-plank hulls remains an extraordinary example of traditional naval engineering in the Indian Ocean.

Another secret of these vessels lies in their lateen sail, a triangular sail suspended from a long, angled yard. Contrary to what one might imagine, dhows do not need the wind to blow directly from behind to move forwards. The sail's orientation allows it to harness winds blowing from the side or at an angle, generating an aerodynamic force that propels the boat.

By combining the force of the wind with the hull's lateral resistance in the water, sailors can make headway even when the wind is blowing partly against them. To sail against the direction of the wind, they use a series of zigzag manoeuvres known as tacking.

Long before engines and modern navigational instruments existed, sailors had already mastered these techniques, taking advantage of the seasonal monsoon winds to travel between the African coast, the Arabian Peninsula and India.

Even today, dhows remain an integral part of life in many of Mozambique's coastal communities, particularly for fishing and transport. Behind their wooden structures and triangular sails lies a wealth of knowledge refined over generations, demonstrating how seemingly simple solutions can embody surprisingly sophisticated engineering.