The Associação de Classe do Bote Baleeiro Açoriano started the historical reconstruction of the boat "Veloz" in a celebratory atmosphere.

The Associação de Classe do Bote Baleeiro Açoriano (ACBBA) held, on May 12th, at the J. Salvador – Naval Construction shipyard, in Rabo de Peixe, the official presentation of the project “Preservar, Navegar e Conectar: Memórias ao Serviço do Futuro”, symbolically marking the beginning of the reconstruction of the whaling boat “Veloz” (H-46-B).

The event took place in an atmosphere of great joy, camaraderie, and enthusiasm, bringing together people passionate about the Azorean whaling boat and the regional maritime heritage. Among members, lovers of this Azorean tradition, partners, and friends of the association, a moment of strong symbolism and unity was experienced, centered around the preservation of one of the greatest cultural heritages of the Azores.

The ceremony was also attended by several entities and institutional partners, namely CRESAÇOR – Cooperativa de Economia Solidária, the Associação de Desenvolvimento Local – Mar Oriental (MAR 2030), the Junta de Freguesia de Rabo de Peixe and our sponsors – Terra Azul – Azores Whale Watching and Melo Travel DMC.

During the meeting, the boat “Veloz” was transported to the shipyard, where reconstruction work will begin using traditional shipbuilding techniques. The project also includes the restoration of the boat “Santa Madalena” (PD-2019-B), reinforcing the association's commitment to safeguarding and valuing the Azorean whaling heritage.

"We intend to increase the number of boats available for rowing and sailing, making whaling boats elements that connect people with the ocean, promoting maritime culture. These historical vessels are living museums that currently promote sport and health, as well as culture and tourism," emphasized the ACBBA Board of Directors in their presentation at the event.

This project takes on a unique character by studying two distinct construction processes of the Azorean whaling boat: the traditional "common boat," typical of Pico and other islands in the archipelago, and the exclusive variant of São Miguel, built using the "double diagonal hull" technique.

Whaling boats are 38 feet (11.40 m) long, with a structure made of hardwoods (keel, keels, keels, frames, etc.), usually oak, acacia, or maritime pine. The hull planking is made of white pine, and the sail rigging, including mast, boom, and gaff, should be made of red pine or white pine. The oars and paddles should be made of red pine or white pine.

The reconstruction will be carried out by the J. Salvador – Construção Naval shipyard and represents an important milestone for the preservation of the maritime traditions of the Azores, combining cultural heritage, historical research and sports promotion.

The association also highlights that this will be the first time a whaling boat reconstructed using this technique from São Miguel will sail again, allowing the recovery of ancestral knowledge of Azorean shipbuilding and perpetuating its memory for future generations.

The project “Preservar, Navegar e Conectar: Memórias ao Serviço do Futuro” is co-financed by the European Union through the MAR 2030 / Portugal 2030 Program, integrating the Local Development Strategy implemented by the GAL Mar Açores Oriental.