16. march
Latvian Three-Masted Schooner Daina Sets Sail on a Postage Stamp
Sailing ships built in Latvia stand out for their uniqueness not only along our coasts but also on the world stage. They were crafted over decades by local artisans who acquired their skills not in formal schools, but through apprenticeships with professional shipbuilders.
Latvian ships have sailed not only on local coastal voyages but also across the seas of Europe and around the world. They were renowned for durability, manoeuvrability and reliable navigation with a small crew, making them highly cost-effective.
The stamp series “Historical Ships of the 19th Century,” initiated by the Latvian Maritime Administration, celebrates Latvia’s seafaring heritage — so central to the coastal communities — while also highlighting the skill of local master craftsmen and their intricate work.
Graphic artist Elita Viliama, long focused on maritime and shipping themes, brings her distinctive style to the new philatelic issue. She has designed the artwork for all issues in this series.
The stamp has a nominal value of EUR 2.35 and is intended for paying postage on items weighing up to 20 grams sent within Latvia. It will be issued in 10,000 copies, while the special envelope will be limited to 500 copies.
The three-masted gaff schooner Daina is not only one of the last ocean-going sailing ships built in Latvian coastal villages, but also the final work of the distinguished shipbuilder Jānis Strādnieks. J. Strādnieks passed away in 1924 during the ship’s construction, and it was subsequently completed by his renowned fellow craftsman Mārtiņš Morgenšterns.
Daina, regarded as one of the most beautiful sailing ships for its elegant exterior and sleek hull, unfortunately had a short life. In 1926, while carrying a timber cargo from America, Daina sank in the North Sea off the Belgian coast near Zeebrugge.
The new stamp will initially be available at Latvijas Pasts post offices and customer centres in cities and major towns, as well as through e-store: https://veikals.pasts.lv/. The first-day cancellation will take place on 20 March, from 09:00 to 18:00, at the post office at 41/43 Elizabetes Street, Riga.
Philatelic issues from Latvijas Pasts are highly valued by customers, collectors and experts alike. International philatelic associations evaluate stamps issued by Latvijas Pasts against strict standards, considering them on par with those from the major countries. These stamps are regularly included in global philatelic catalogues and collections of renowned philatelists.
