About Us
More then a Boat - it’s who we are
This whaleboat is not just a vessel—it’s a living expression of our history, our craft, and our connection to the sea. Every plank and rivet speaks of the people who built it, crewed it, and trusted it with their lives. It’s a masterpiece born of necessity, crafted by a community who had little, but gave everything. It stands as a testament to the skill, resilience, and ingenuity of a people who made excellence their only option.Shaped for speed, silence, and seaworthiness, it was designed to chase whales in the rough waters of the mid-Atlantic—not by choice, but out of need. Far from land, close to danger, and always with purpose, these boats were lifelines for families facing economic hardship—a way to put food on the table when the sea was the only place they could still find hope.
But out of that struggle came something remarkable. The whaleboat became a symbol of collective knowledge, identity, and resilience. Its lines were perfected through generations of trial and error, its handling refined by the rhythm of oars and the wisdom of sails. That legacy lives on—the boat still moves with the same urgency and elegance it once did, carrying with it the spirit of the people whose vision built it and courage sailed it, inspiring current and future generations to honor, preserve, and continue the story.
Whaleboats: Echoes of the Azorean Soul
About the Captain
Filipe Fernandes was just 15 when he first stepped aboard a traditional Azorean whaleboat, and from that moment on, the sea became both his passion and his path. Born in Pico Island, Filipe has spent over two decades mastering the art of sailing and rowing these historic vessels — not only as a skilled crewman, but as a champion captain and dedicated coach.
A lifelong competitor, Filipe has earned a name for himself across the Azores and beyond. He has led his crew to 5 sailing championship titles and 6 rowing championships in Pico, and claimed double victories — in both rowing and sailing — at the XI Azorean International Regatta (2022) and the XII International Regatta in New Bedford (2023). Since 2008, he has also dominated the demanding mastery races, winning the event 14 consecutive times.
But Filipe’s greatest pride goes beyond trophies. He is deeply committed to teaching, coaching, and empowering others, especially young people who find meaning and confidence at sea. For Filipe, every race is an opportunity to pass on not only skill, but also resilience, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
Over the years, Filipe has also become an international ambassador for Azorean whaleboats, proudly representing this unique maritime heritage at major global sailing events — including the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Lisbon in 2017 and Foiling Week in Italy in 2024, where he sailed a whaleboat before a worldwide audience. Whether guiding his crew to victory or introducing newcomers to the rhythm of oars and sails, Filipe keeps the legacy of the Azorean whaleboat alive — ensuring its spirit endures in the hands and hearts of a new generation.
Rescued to Remember
Built in 1929, Nossa Senhora de Fátima is an officially classified Azorean whaleboat — recognized as part of the region’s maritime heritage and protected for its historical and cultural value. After decades of service in Lajes do Pico, she was abandoned to the elements around the 1980s. It was the iconic whaler Francisco Machado, a friend and mentor to Filipe, who eventually rescued her from decay, offering her shelter and quiet dignity in retirement.
Before his passing, Francisco entrusted the boat to Filipe Fernandes — who couldn’t resist the call to bring her back to life. The restoration became a tribute: to a friend, to a mentor, and to the legacy they both cherished. To ensure she returned in all her former glory, Filipe partnered with João Tavares, likely the most experienced Azorean whaleboat builder of all time, to rebuild her hull with precision and deep respect for tradition. Every fitting and detail — from pins to cleats — was crafted by his dear friend and master craftsman Osvaldo Inácio, using authentic whalebone. The sails were made by Nauza Azevedo, granddaughter of João Baptista Medina, the renowned sailmaker of Azorean whaleboats. Their dedication and skill helped make Nossa Senhora de Fátima not just seaworthy, but perfect.
All of this work was carried out locally in Lajes do Pico, the heart of Azorean whaleboat culture, where tradition, craftsmanship, and community come together to keep this living heritage alive.
Today, she sails once more — not to chase whales, but to carry forward the soul of the Azorean whaleboat, a living vessel connecting generations through wind, wood, and memory.
Testimonials
Olivia Piana
Olivia Piana
From FrancePedro Pires de Lima
Pedro Pires de Lima
Sailor and owner of Velas Pires de LimaRodrigo Moreira Rato
Rodrigo Moreira Rato
From LisbonKen O'Sullivan
Ken O'Sullivan
From IrelandConrad Humphreys
Conrad Humphreys
From UK - Offshore Sailor
