Õpitehted

Õpitehted are a type of Estonian traditional wooden sailing ships that were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name "õpitehted" translates to "boards" or "planks" in English, referring to the ship's construction method using wooden planks.

These vessels were typically built in the Gulf of Riga and were used for fishing, trade, and coastal transportation. They were designed for operation in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea, with a flat bottom and shallow draft allowing them to navigate through the region's narrow inlets and bays.

Õpitehted were characterized by a simple and functional design, with a single mast and a sail area of around 100-200 square meters. They were crewed by two or three people and were capable of carrying a moderate cargo load.

The construction of õpitehted was a traditional craft in Estonian shipbuilding, with techniques passed down through generations of shipwrights. The vessels were typically built from Baltic birch and oak, using a combination of traditional tools and contemporary techniques.

With the advent of modern ships and the decline of traditional sail-based fishing and trade, the õpitehted fell out of use in the mid-20th century. However, efforts have been made in recent years to preserve and restore examples of these historic vessels, with some still afloat and serving as museum ships or replicas.