Guided by master shipbuilder João Tavares, the project brings to life two specimens faithful to the Azorean tradition. Following ancestral models and techniques, each plank rests on centuries of nautical knowledge, while the full filming of the work ensures that this intangible heritage is recorded for future generations. We safeguard the intangible and material culture of the Azoreans, perpetuating the maritime identity of the Azores and its people, and creating a community resource for nautical training, regattas, and environmental education initiatives.

Objective

Construction of two traditional Azorean whale boats with the last azorean whaling shipwright.

Impact

Construction of two whale boats fully funded by Futurismo (over €150.000 invested)
- Two vessels built.
Promotion of the Azorean art of building whale boats.
- Articles, interviews, and social media coverage.
Audiovisual documentation of the construction process.
- ≥ 10 hours of footage
  - ≥ Creation of a documentary.

Supported UN Global Goals

The project contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education) by using the construction process as a “classroom” to produce an educational audiovisual record accessible to schools and the public; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by valuing traditional skills and generating specialized employment; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by safeguarding both material (the boats) and immaterial (construction techniques) cultural heritage, thereby strengthening local maritime identity; SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by using the boats as a platform for environmental education and raising awareness about marine ecosystem conservation; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between the master shipbuilder, Futurismo, cultural organizations, schools, and the community, uniting the public, private, and civil sectors.