The History of ACBBA

A group of interested citizens sought to contribute to the development of the sporting aspect associated with whaling boats.

We believe that the formation of an association [ACBBA] could contribute to placing whaling boats on a much more interesting level for all Azoreans and for all the islands.
Furthermore, the issue of establishing an association for the development of the sporting aspect is part of a future-oriented dynamic associated with the much-discussed new Blue Economy, which highlights such relevant issues as the National Strategy for the Sea, the European Maritime Policy, the Extension of the Continental Shelf, the European Maritime Heritage, etc., where the Azores have a leading role to play.

Therefore, a group of citizens aware of this conceptual reality sought to make their civic contribution, legitimized by spontaneity and freedom of initiative, while understanding the requirement of responsibility when intervening in "public space".

Esta associação iniciou a sua atividade elaborando um protocolo de cedência e utilização do bote “Senhora de Fátima”, matrícula SG-98-B. Este bote, originalmente construído em 1945 nas Capelas pelo armador Cristóvão Mota Soares, foi totalmente reconstruído em 2010 pela empresa de observação de cetáceos de Vila Franca do Campo, a TERRA AZUL.
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To this day, it also promotes participation in regatta events on the islands of Pico and Faial for rowing teams, both female and male, as well as sailing teams in sporting and cultural events of reference in the whaling culture of the Azores.

Atualmente a ACBBA tem já também à sua guarda outros dois botes únicos, o “Santa Madalena” e o “Veloz” constam da lista de botes classificados como património baleeiro regional. O grande objetivo é recuperar estas duas embarcações. Não apenas pelo seu elevadíssimo valor sociocultural e patrimonial, mas sobretudo para reforçar a oferta desportiva do remo e da vela para adultos.