In the 18th century Silba had a fleet 38 sailing boats with three masts called "Manzere" of 220 Mt and 60 sailing boats two masts called "Kastrere" of 63 Mt. The fleet was destroyed by the French at the beginning of the 19th century. The economic benefits to the island from sailing boats led to general well-being on the island. Old local saying says: "Silba zlatom siva, i u njoj se raj uživa", that is: "Silba shines with gold, on it heavenly enjoyment".