Start of construction work for the "new" boats.

On April 7, 2025, work resumed on the construction of the future boats that will serve the projects of theAssociação de Classe do Bote Baleeiro Açoriano.

A survey of the boats' characteristics, materials, techniques, and construction processes was carried out, and a comparison was made with the VELOZ and SENHORA DE FÁTIMA boats in order to confirm the characteristics desired for the "new" boats. This is a unique project based on a study of two different construction processes, namely between the "common boat," built on Pico and other islands of the archipelago; and a variant exclusive to São Miguel, whose construction technique is called "double diagonal hull." It will be the first whaling boat rebuilt and sailing using this construction technique.

This work was carried out by Mr. Joe da Ponte, a specialist with many years of experience in shipbuilding, who collaborates on our project to ensure the technical reliability of the process. The data and information were forwarded to the builder, Master José Salvador – Rabo de Peixe Shipyard, as a basis and starting point for his work.

The Preserve, Navigate and Connect: Memories in Service of the Future project represents a total approved investment of €111,886.80, with 70% co-financed by the European Union under the MAR 2030 / Portugal 2030 Program, integrating the Local Development Strategy (LDS) implemented by the GAL Mar Açores Oriental.

This project of our association is based on our work to recover and enhance the memory linked to whaling culture, actively contributing to the safeguarding of the Regional Whaling Heritage as well as the appreciation of traditional vessels from the old whaling industry in the Azores, while simultaneously promoting the nautical sports of rowing and sailing in historic whaling boats, as a way to keep this cultural heritage alive.