The Chebec was a typically Mediterranean vessel which appeared for the first time early in the 17th century operated by Muslim countries.

It was a fast, all weather, lateen rigged ship, which by the middle of the 18th century assumed the pollacca rig – the small type of chebec developed rapidly for use by private owners for mercantile activities. The war chebec reached its highest point of notoriety when employed by the Algerian corsairs up to the beginning of the 19th century.

The Order of St John constructed one in 1743, and by 1757 two others – the San Pietro and the San Paolo – were commissioned, and were the last to be built by the knights. Local Maltese padroni continued to employ the small chebec up to the middle of the 19th century, when the vessel disappeared from the Maltese harbours.

Joseph Muscat, the author is a maritime historian who has specialised in the naval activities of the Order of St John. His writings have appeared in numerous local and foreign publications. This is the 13th in this series of books published by Pubblikazzjonijiet Indipendenza.

The Chebec is the two hundred and sixtieth publication by Pubblikazzjonijiet Indipendenza PIN, and is for sale at leading booksellers for Lm1.50.