Valuing what unites us… The Azorean Whaling Boat

Whaling boats play a prominent role in the social life of the Azorean people. Beyond their historical, ethnographic, and cultural significance – whose importance is universally acknowledged – they possess a sporting potential that could achieve an even greater extraordinary importance than is currently recognized.

Preserving whaling heritage

ACBBA is an association in the Azores dedicated to the study, promotion, and revitalization of whaling culture. Since 2014, we have been working to recover the memory associated with whaling culture, integrating it into the movement to preserve the Regional Whaling Heritage.

Our mission focuses on promoting the value of traditional whaling vessels in the Azores, fostering the nautical sports of rowing and sailing in historic whaling boats.

Our objectives

To value the traditional whaling vessels;
To promote the sporting practice of rowing and sailing;
Develop the registration as an "official sailing class";
Bringing islands, communities and people closer together.

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Our boats

Senhora de Fátima

Built in 1945 in the parish of Capelas, municipality of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, the Senhora de Fátima boat represents the golden age of whaling in the Azores. For decades, this vessel sailed the waters of the channel between São Miguel and Santa Maria, participating in numerous whaling campaigns.

In 2010, the vessel was completely rebuilt respecting the traditional techniques of Azorean naval carpentry.

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Our boats

Santo André

The Santo André boat is a historic vessel officially classified as a Regional Whaling Heritage site by the Government of the Azores, recognizing its invaluable cultural and historical worth.

Built in [year – to be researched], the Santo André sailed the waters of the Azores for several decades, bearing witness to an era when whaling was one of the archipelago's main economic activities.

Once restored, the Santo André will enhance our sporting and cultural offerings, allowing for training sessions, regattas, and educational activities that bring new generations closer to this ancestral tradition.

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Our boats

Veloz

The Veloz is a unique boat that is part of the prestigious list of Regional Whaling Heritage, being one of the most important historical vessels in the Azores archipelago.

This vessel represents decades of Azorean maritime history and tradition, standing as a living testament to the shipbuilding techniques and navigation practices that characterized whaling in the Azores.

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Gallery

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Become part of our community.

Become a member of ACBBA and contribute to the preservation of Azorean whaling culture. Together, we value what unites us and build the future of this ancestral tradition.

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