The project “Preservar, Navegar e Conectar: Memórias ao Serviço do Futuro” kicks off.

ACBBA – Associação de Classe do Bote Baleeiro Açoriano a non-profit organization of recognized public interest, announces the official launch of the project “PRESERVAR, NAVEGAR E CONECTAR: MEMÓRIAS AO SERVIÇO DO FUTURO”, an initiative that reinforces the commitment to safeguarding the Azorean maritime heritage and to the sustainable development of the island communities.

This project stems from a clear vision: the whaling boat is more than just historical memory—it's living heritage, it's sport, it's collective identity. For generations, these vessels have shaped the Azorean people's relationship with the sea. Today, they continue to sail as sporting platforms for rowing and sailing, bringing together young people, veteran seafarers, and the entire community.

*Creating the Eastern Group Whaling Boat Center* Within the scope of this initiative, the Eastern Group Whaling Boat Center will be created, with direct intervention on the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria. The objective is to revitalize the local maritime culture, energizing the communities through nautical sports, contact with nature, and intergenerational participation.

The project includes the restoration of two historic vessels:

*“Veloz” (H-46-B)

“Santa Madalena” (PD-219-B)*

Its rehabilitation will be carried out according to traditional shipbuilding techniques, ensuring the preservation of ancestral knowledge and heritage authenticity.

Heritage at the 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 generates social, cultural, and economic impact, reinforcing Azorean identity and creating new opportunities for local involvement.

The direct beneficiaries are the communities of São Miguel and Santa Maria, in an action promoted by ACBBA in partnership with the Santa Maria Naval Club and other local entities.

The project is funded by the Eastern 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 through the MAR 2030 program.

With the launch 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, it's about recovering memories, strengthening communities, and putting maritime heritage at the service of the future.