Croatian Ladjas in New York

Every year over fifty thousand spectators gather along the banks of a river in Croatia to watch a rowing event—the Ladja Marathon. The ladja is a traditional wooden rowboat that once plied the waters of the Neretva River delivering cargo, agricultural products from the local valley including tons of watermelons. The ladja is wide and heavy. Now the ladja has arrived in New York!—to row around Manhattan.

Udruga Bastina Neretve Opuzen, the sponsoring organization, transported a traditional ladja to New York in a shipping container, where it was welcomed by the robust Croatian/American community here. Turns out, there’s a Croatian restaurant on the banks of Anable Basin in Long Island City, with dock access. Who knew! The team of hearty men and women who paddle the ladja flew in from Croatian, along with many supporters. On May 23, the day was unseasonably cold for their early start.

Undaunted, the crew set out.

With VCB’s own Rob Buchanan as navigator and support from Rocking the Boat for a safety boat they made a cold and wet voyage up the East River, the Harlem, and down the Hudson.

They stopped in at VCB’s boathouse to warm up.

Then complete their circumnaviagtion around the Battery with big water. Celebrations were in order.

The generous Croatians are leaving the ladja here in hopes of inspiring a team of Americans to participate in the Ladja Marathon. Who knows! Start practicing; this boat is not for the faint of heart. Next year in Croatia!