ACBBA: Who we are

The purposes and activities of ACBBA

ACBBA is one of the few private law associations that pursues objectives of public interest, dedicated to the study, promotion and revitalization of the whaling culture of the Azores.

ACBBA's mission is to contribute to recovering part of this memory associated with whaling culture, integrated into the fantastic movement of recovery, preservation and enhancement of the Regional Whaling Heritage, in accordance with the legislation, promoting a local development project with multiple facets.

Whaling boats play a prominent role in the social life of the Azorean people. Beyond their historical, ethnographic, and cultural significance – whose importance is universally acknowledged – they possess a sporting potential that could achieve an even greater extraordinary importance than is currently recognized.

The Whaling Boats

Whaling boats play a preponderant role in the social experience of the Azorean people. In addition to their historical, ethnographic, and cultural dimension—whose relevance is shared by all—they have a sporting potential that can gain an even more extraordinary importance than is known today.

The development of the sporting aspect is, therefore, a key factor in the sustainability and preservation of this fantastic heritage, recovered thanks to the will, persistence, and tireless work of some, and to public investment by the Government of the Azores.

It is therefore necessary to reflect on the contemporary usefulness of the whaling boat, which requires action in the areas of policies and measures necessary for its preservation, as well as ways to make them true vehicles for bringing the islands, communities and people closer together.

This approach requires some work on the cultural, normative, tax and economic levels, ultimately aiming at social profitability and its valorization as a distinctive characteristic of Azorean Identity.

In this context, we took the initiative to establish an association, formally registered in the registry office (see attached document) on January 7, 2014, called ACBBA - Azorean Whaling Boat Class Association.

Our statutory objectives are to value the traditional whaling vessels in the Azores, promoting the sporting offer of rowing and sailing in whaling boats.

ACBBA Objectives

Its main objective is the development of the sporting component, promoting registration as an "official sailing class" with the Portuguese Sailing Federation.

For example, here are some benefits to consider:

a) Representative capacity;
b) Institutional intermediation;
c) Promoting conditions for adults to practice sailing;
d) Insurance, certifications, and other benefits inherent to the sporting activity;
e) Promotion and enhancement of the sport;
f) Class Recognition;
g) Negotiation skills across multiple areas;
h) Technical training indexed to the federative structure;
i) Organization and communication;
j) Tourism promotion through contributing to the differentiation of the Azores as a tourist destination.

Corporate Bodies

Direction

President – Neuza Azevedo
Secretary – Sandra Brum
Treasurer – António Amaro‍

Fiscal Council

President – Armando Viveiros
Member – Manuela Macedo
Member – Ana Monteiro

Assembleia Geral

President – Catarina Cymbron
Secretary – Suse Costa
Member – ‍Miguel Cravinho

Join us

Become part of our community.

Become a member of ACBBA and contribute to the preservation of Azorean whaling culture. Together, we value what unites us and build the future of this ancestral tradition.