''Vinta''

(Lepa-Lepa or Sakayan)

The vinta (locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan) is

 a traditional boat found in the Philippine isand of Mindanao.

These boats are made by Bajau and Moros living in the

 Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga peninsula, and southern

Mindanao. It has a sail with assorted vertical colors that

 represents the colorful culture and history of the Muslim

community. These boats are used for inter-island transport

 of people and goods. Zamboanga City is known for

 these vessels.

The Vinta is a vessel of ancient heritage used by Muslims in the

 large island of Mindanao, Southern Philippines.

The extremely colorful sails are representative of the colorful

 culture of the Muslim community hundreds of years

 ago. These boats are used for inter-island transport of

 people and goods. Built and designed by Gualberto

Antiquera.

The vinta, together with pearl divers, and the Badjao boat dwellers, form the romance

 of the Sulu seas. The vinta's colorful sail decorates many a picture of

 southern Philippine sunsets beckoning the adventurous at heart to the

joysand wonder of riding big waves.

Actually, the vinta is not safe for long ocean travel. It is a very small and unsteady sailboat,

used only for short trips on days with normal breezes. Vinta is how the sailboat

is called by the maritime people of the Sulu archipelago.

Some say it may be a name coined by the Spaniards.

The boat is more commonly known as lepa-lepa or sakayan. The bigger boats used

got crossing high seas are the kumpit and sahpit or the Indonesian parao.

The sahpit is used as a large houseboat or for transportating cargo.

The kumpit is notoriuous as the official carrier of sumgglers

in the south and is said to outpace Navy patrol boats

because of its powered engine. Except for small fishing boats, most

 boats in the high seas of Sulu have motors.

The parao is fitted with an inboard Volvo engine

 and is widely known now as "volvo". Vintas with very colorful sails

 still abound along some seashores,  especially of  seaside resorts,

for tourists who want a bit of romance and adventure.

 Zamboanga hosts a  vinta regatta each year.  

A fleet of vintas crosses the close to 23 kilometer wide Basilan Strait. 

 Watching the regatta can be a romantic adventure in itself.