Cretan Sailors

Ties between the town of Chandax and the sea are further testified by the renown Cretans gained as sailors. A 16^th century Venetian official went as far as to say that every time a boy was born among the lower classes, they would say a sailor had come into the world.

The importance of maritime occupations is further illustrated by the reported strength of the Chandax sailors' guild, named in honour of "The Virgin Mary of Mercy". The guild was highly active in the sphere of social justice, providing financial assistance to its weaker members and working for the liberation of slaves. Venice had every interest in keeping Cretan sailors content, and thus met their demands and acknowledged their standing in the local hierarchy.