The History of Burin

Learn about rich historical value of our boat Burin

Tito's guests Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Josephine Baker, Che Guevara and many other significant figures of the time were on this boat.

Josip Broz Tito and Che Guevara - Secret meeting on Brijuni 18th July 1959
Sophia Loren and Josip Broz Tito (Galeb) - Brijuni

“Burin” was a unique JNA navy ship in Brijuni during Tito’s reign until his death in 1980. Among other functions it was used as a transport and small tours ship around Brijuni for Tito’s guests such as Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Josephine Baker, Che Guevara and many other significant figures of the time.

We will probably never know what all the secrets were told on this jewel of history, but we are certainly proud to be able to offer a unique sailing experience on this ship.

Name: “Burin” (The North-East Wind)
Year of counstruction: 1953.

Motor boat (MB) “Burin” is not only a classic wooden excursion boat, but also a real jewel of the history of the Adriatic, which hides many incredible stories and secrets.

This former military ship of the Yugoslav Navy (JRM) begins its exciting story in 1953 when it was built at the Kantrida shipyard in Rijeka by order of the JRM, where it was built by well-known quality shipbuilders from the highest quality wood.

Josip Broz Tito, Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Jovanka Broz (Galeb) - Brijuni
Military boat BM41, a sister ship of Burin

Harbour rescue ship

The ship participated in the rescue of hundreds of people during its lifetime, which is recorded in the documentation of many state institutions, as well as in the family memories of those rescued. The ship and its crew at the time (under the command of captain Mljenko Žanić) also won the most prestigious award on the Adriatic – the “Blue Ribbon of the Herald” in 1987 for a feat at sea in rescuing people.

Burin 1985 - 1995 Harbour rescue ship
Burin 1995 - 2002 Maritime Faculty in Rijeka where many students were trained on this ship

The war years

The significance of the ship is also evident in the fact that in 1984 it was handed over to the Port Authority for use, it was their biggest ship on the Adriatic sea, and with the outbreak of war in the former Yugoslavia, it was placed in the service of the Republic of Croatia, as an independent state created by secession from Yugoslavia.

In the 1990s, the ship participated in the Homeland War through numerous and risky reconnaissances, especially in night conditions.

After the war

In 1995, the ship was taken over by the Maritime Faculty in Rijeka, and in 2002, it passed into private ownership, where the happier part of its history began, in which to this day it provides unusual adventures with Adriatic dolphins.

Many people who rode this ship became world famous.
Who knows – maybe one day we will boast that we drove you on your life’s journeys!

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