About Us
More than 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.
About the Captain
Born in the Whalers’ Village
Born on Pico Island, Filipe Fernandes was 15 when he first stepped aboard a traditional Azorean whaleboat. What began as a childhood fascination soon became a lifelong passion. Over more than two decades, he has dedicated himself to mastering the art of rowing and sailing these historic vessels, becoming an award-winning competitor and champion captain while helping preserve and pass on this remarkable maritime tradition.
A Champion at the Helm
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 yearly event 16 consecutive times.
Beyond the Competition
Filipe’s contribution to Azorean whaleboat culture extends far beyond competition.
He conceived and helped develop the CALF project, a half-scale whaleboat designed for children, introducing younger generations to rowing and sailing.
He created BOTA-TE, an initiative sharing knowledge about Azorean whaleboats to inspire greater understanding and enthusiasm among new and experienced sailors alike.
Filipe also played a key role in the process that led to “Azorean Whaleboat: The Art of Handling and Construction in Lajes do Pico” (Bote Baleeiro Açoriano: arte de manuseamento e construção nas Lajes do Pico) being inscribed in Portugal’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2026.
Taking the Tradition Worldwide
Over the years, Filipe has also become an international ambassador for Azorean whaleboats, representing this unique maritime heritage at major sailing events around the world, including the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Lisbon in 2017 and Foiling Week in Italy in 2024, where he sailed a whaleboat before an international audience.
Whether leading his crew to victory or introducing newcomers to the rhythm of oars and sails, Filipe continues to keep the legacy of the Azorean whaleboat alive, helping ensure its spirit endures in the hands and hearts of future generations.
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.
After Francisco’s passing, his son 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, surely one of the most experienced Azorean whaleboat builders 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 Neuza Azevedo, granddaughter of João Baptista Medina, the late whaler and renowned sailmaker of Azorean whaleboats.
Their dedication and skill helped make Nossa Senhora de Fátima not just seaworthy, but a boat worthy of her history.
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
Rodrigo Moreira Rato
Rodrigo Moreira Rato
From LisbonPedro Pires de Lima
Pedro Pires de Lima
Sailor and owner of Velas Pires de LimaOlivia Piana
Olivia Piana
From FranceKen O'Sullivan
Ken O'Sullivan
From IrelandConrad Humphreys
Conrad Humphreys
From UK - Offshore Sailor
