The communities of the Azores islands on the Atlantic coast were introduced to whale hunting by American and English fishermen in the 18th century. Whaling spread to practically all coastal communities in the area, being particularly important on the island of Pico. The last whale was captured nearby Pico in 1987, but the whaling business still remains a crucial part of the Azores islands' common cultural identity and memory.
With assistance from the EEA Grants, parts of this cultural heritage will be restored and brought back to its rightful prominence. Ten whale sailing boats and one whaler motorboat will be restored in the project. The restorationis already well underway and isl carried out by small naval construction companies in the Azores, who have the necessary expertise in this type of work.According to Henrique Manuel Alcáçova Azevedo at the cultural authorities in the Azores, the work on two boats has already been concluded. The whaling boats Nª Sª Fátima and Senhora das Angústias are now ready to sail the Atlantic again.
After restoration, the boats will take part in regattas that have grown in popularity in the Azores in recent years, with participation from several hundred locals at each event. The regattas are organised by local naval clubs, who are also partners with the local authorities in the Azores in the restoration project. The EEA Grants support is in other words not simply about restoring historical artefacts for exhibitions, but rather about fostering active involvement with the cultural heritage that has been so characteristic of these coastal communities.
Tourists will also benefit from the preservation of the whaling boats. The boats, which will be used for transportation of visitors to the islands and enable them to enjoy the surroundings, for example in organised hiking tours at the island of Pico. The restoration thus contributes to the overall attractiveness of the Azores as a holiday destination.