The American Connection: The adoption of the American whaleboat and it’s evolution to the Azorean whaleboat used for coastal whaling in the mid-Atlantic Azore Islands.
For over 160 years, from 1765-1927, the Portuguese of the Azore Islands whaled with American whalers from New England. They learned the craft and adapted the equipment. For over 120 years, 1865-1986, the Azoreans pursued the whale in their own coastal waters, using their unique boats evolved from the American design. This is also the story of the revival and preservation of the Azorean whaleboat and its part in the cultural fabric of the islands.
