The Azorean Whaling Boat - treasuring what unites us

The Azorean Whaling Boat Association (ACBBA), a non-profit organization of recognized public interest, announces the official start of the project “PRESERVE, NAVIGATE AND CONNECT: MEMORIES IN SERVICE OF THE FUTURE”, an initiative that reinforces its commitment to the sustainable development of the island communities and to safeguarding the Azorean maritime heritage. This project stems from a clear vision: the whaling boat is more than just a historical memory—it is living heritage, it is sport, it is part of our collective identity. For generations these vessels have shaped the Azorean people's relationship with the sea. Today, they continue as sporting stages for rowing and sailing, bringing together young people, former sailors, and the entire community. *Creating the Oriental Group Whaling Boat Center* Within the scope of this initiative, the Oriental Group Whaling Boat Center will be created, with direct intervention, on the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria. The objectives are to revitalize the local maritime culture, and boost communities through nautical sports, contact with nature, and intergenerational participation. The project includes the restoration of two historic vessels: *“Velocity” (H-46-B) “Santa Madalena” (PD-219-B)* Their rehabilitation will be carried out using traditional shipbuilding techniques, ensuring the preservation of ancestral knowledge and authentic heritage. Heritage in service of a sustainable blue economy “Preserve, Navigate and Connect” is part of the promotion of the development of a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and inland regions, contributing to the strengthening of fishing and aquaculture communities. By valuing the whaling boat as a cultural, sporting, and community asset, the project will generate social, cultural, and economic impact, reinforce Azorean identity and create new opportunities for local involvement. Partnerships, funding and investments In partnership with the Santa Maria Naval Club and other local entities, ACBBA’s activities will directly benefit the communities of São Miguel and Santa Maria. The project is funded by the Oriental Sea Fisheries Local Action Group (GAL Pescas Mar Oriental), within the framework of the local development strategy, with the support of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RAA) and the European Union (EU). The total eligible investment is €111,886.80, with financial support from the European Union amounting to €78,320.04, corresponding to 70% co-financing. With the start of this project, ACBBA reaffirms its statutory mission to study, preserve, value, disseminate and promote the use of whaling boats in the context of the maritime culture of the Azores. More than just restoring vessels, ACBBA’s mission is about recovering memories, strengthening communities, and placing maritime heritage in the service of the future.

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.