Sailing whaleboats – from whaling to regattas

Old Traditions in the Azores

Azores

In the middle of the cold waters of the Atlantic there is a small volcanic archipelago, known to many avid travelers. The Azores are a real pearl of the Atlantic, which is famous for its nature, unusual flora and fauna. It is here that you can find old classic whaleboats.

The design of whaleboats, despite its simplicity, has proven its effectiveness. The whaleboat got its name from the type of activity in which this type of boat was used. From English, whaleboat is translated as "whale boat". However, as practice has shown, whaleboats are good not only for whale hunting. 

The first mention of whaleboats dates back to 1335. A coin found in Spain depicted whalers in a small wooden boat, engaged in whaling. Whaleboats gradually spread throughout Europe, mainly due to the fact that the Spanish taught the English and Dutch how to hunt whales.

Photo: Coin (c. 1335) from the town of Fuentearrabia in the Basque region of Spain. 

For almost 7 centuries, the basic concept of the whaleboat has not undergone major changes. The final version of the whaleboat design was formed in the USA, towards the end of the 19th century. Even then, "whale boats" were used not only in whaling, but also as lifeboats, boats for transporting goods, boats for rowing competitions. 

And although whaleboats had a cult status practically all over the world, it is in the Azores that the most authentic versions of these rowboats are probably produced in the 21st century. The thing is that the traditional whaling industry in the Azores archipelago ended quite recently – in the 1980s. Hunting for sea giants was an important part of the life and history of the islanders, so the attitude towards whaleboats here is appropriate. Today, "whale boats" are more often used for local regattas and to establish supply chains between the islands.

Features of a classic whaleboat

Despite the fact that the general concept of the boat has not changed much over six centuries, some modifications were still made to the design. Some ideas were discarded, while others, on the contrary, took root and became an integral part of the boats. Thus, the classic Azorean whaleboat has a number of differences from its North American "brother". For example, the design of the "whale boat" from the Azores is more massive and durable, the sail and mast have become a permanent attribute of the Azorean whaleboats. In addition, it is the Azorean whaleboats that have a long racing history.

The main feature of the hull of a regular whaleboat is that it can be rowed both forward and backward, i.e. stern first. This made the "whale boat" an indispensable means of transport during rescue operations. Thus, rescuers did not have to waste time turning the boat.

When whaleboats were whaling boats, they were equipped with everything necessary for hunting - harpoons, a strong hull. The whaleboat was propelled by five oars, one for each crew member. Sometimes one oar was used for each rower. The crew consisted of rowers, a harpooner and a helmsman. Due to the maneuverability of the whaleboat, the crew could quickly hit the target with harpoons, exhausting the animal. The whaling whaleboat had many modifications, including the so-called Montagu whaleboat. It had a reinforced hull and a slightly different frame shape. 

The first information about the use of a sail on a whaleboat appeared only in 1825. Almost 200 years later, the technology of using the sail has hardly changed: the mast is removable, it is easy to install and just as easy to dismantle. When the sail rigging is not in use, the mast with the sails is neatly laid on the bottom of the whaleboat. 

In the Azores, sails have become an integral part of almost every whaleboat.

The Sailing History of the Azorean Whaleboat 

Since the advent of the sail modification, Azorean hunters have used the following tactics: quickly and quietly approach the whale under sail, and conduct the hunt itself with the mast lowered using oars. This approach to hunting was indeed effective. While the boat was under sail, it did not make sounds that could scare the sea giants.

Photo: Azorean whaleboats. Source: Yachting World. Photos: Pedro Silva

The whaleboat racing tradition began in the same year, 1825. At first, whalers competed to see who could approach their prey faster and quieter. Then practical interest grew into sporting interest – and hunters began to compete in speed outside of working hours. 

Unexpectedly, 1984 came and a complete ban on whale hunting. Local hunters accepted the fact of the ban, but whaleboat races had become such a part of local life that it was impossible to give them up. Before the ban on hunting, there were no official regattas, but after that, a real free-for-all began.

Photo: Azorean whaleboats. Source: Yachting World. Photos: Pedro Silva

In fact, the Azorean whaleboats would hardly have had a sailing tradition without the dreaded whaling industry. The whole point of the hunt at that time was speed and stealth, which spurred the development of the whaleboat.

What does an Azorean whaleboat look like?

The average modern Azorean whaleboat is about 12 meters long. The boat is a modest 2 meters wide and weighs about 800 kg. The height of the mast can vary, but is on average 9 meters. Whaleboats are traditionally made of wood.

The boat is controlled with a removable tiller. The whaleboat's sail rig is gaff, that is, the mainsail is fixed to the boom and gaff. There is a small staysail at the front. Due to the narrow hull, the whaleboat is able to quickly gain speed and maintain a high level of maneuverability while moving. Interesting fact: the highest speed that the whaleboat has developed is about 13 knots. 

Photo: Azorean whaleboats. Source: FORBES. Photos: Pedro Silva

The technologies of whaleboat production in the Azores have been carefully preserved since ancient times and passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, the situation has looked a little depressing – children and teenagers are increasingly leaving the islands to study and often remain on the mainland for life. However, the locals do not despair and continue to pass on traditions to enthusiasts.

The production of one whaleboat takes about five to six months. Surprisingly, only one experienced carpenter is needed to build such a boat. The masts and spars of whaleboats are made of a non-local tree species - Japanese cedar, brought to the Azores in the 19th century. Gradually, production has transformed and today some modern materials can be used in construction, but the wooden tradition remains unchanged.

Photo: Whaleboat production workshop. Source: Yachting World. Photos: Pedro Silva

Whaleboats continue to live and develop. The tradition has taken root in the Azores, becoming not only a local pastime, but also an excellent tourist magnet. In addition, whaleboats that once took part in the killing of whales are now used for tourism purposes. Locals often conduct eco-tours to cetacean habitats, telling about traditions and how this trade has influenced the current culture and lifestyle of the islanders.

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17.08.2024