During a recent visit to the Azores archipelago I visited the port of Horta on the island of Faial. At the top of one of the many slipways I came across a row of eight old-style open whaling boats. Close examination showed that, far from being used for whaling, these boats seemed to be used for racing. All were identical in size, all painted in the most lurid of colours, and all beautifully maintained. I sensed a story.My enquiries directed me to the local whaling museum where, in addition to some very grisly videos and displays of harpoons and murderous lances, I found an original whaler. The curator was a most helpful chap who told me a lot about the boats and their construction and the way that they were sailed and hunted.
Originally, the whalers would carry six long sweeps of varying lengths, six short paddles for close contact work, a long steering oar and also a removable rudder and tiller. The mast is stepped in a hinged tabernacle. One or two sails were carried. Hunting gear included at least two harpoons and several lances, and there were two tubs of heavy line, 300 metres in each. The harpooner stands on a small platform in the bow. During the chase the whaler might be sailed, but only well off the wind. The boats have no keel, so all the crew must lean out to windward to keep the boat upright. A chase and kill could last six hours or more.
Nowadays whalers are still being built for racing. The original methods of construction are still used, the hulls are double-skinned and very heavily built, (see displacement spec). Racing takes place throughout the summer season and all the entrants race with regulation gear on board. On the island there are six parishes (counti
es), racing is between these. On board each: six 3.3 metre sweeps, and long steering oar – originally used whilst the whaler is closed up on its victim, and a set of sails. A rudder is shipped for use under sail. One or both sails may be used if the wind is right.
es), racing is between these. On board each: six 3.3 metre sweeps, and long steering oar – originally used whilst the whaler is closed up on its victim, and a set of sails. A rudder is shipped for use under sail. One or both sails may be used if the wind is right.My informant had only rather limited English but I understood that a triangular course of some three miles is set, the crews may use oars, sail or both to propel the boat along. Competition is fierce. Training fuel is a very sharp red wine and lots of local grappa. Men only is the rule. Prizes are yet more booze. A local winery sponsors the event.
Whaler specifications: LOA 11.5m, beam 1.9m, draught 0.57m, Displacement 2.97 tons.
I have a full specification for a working whaler, which includes all the working gear. This is too detailed for inclusion here. It is lodged in the library.
I have a full specification for a working whaler, which includes all the working gear. This is too detailed for inclusion here. It is lodged in the library.
