Companha Feminina de Bote Baleeiro Independente was born from the desire to bring women together around one of the most iconic maritime traditions of the Azores: the whaleboat.
Based on the island of São Miguel, we are an independent, open and inclusive crew, created for all women who want to learn, row, train and enjoy themselves.
We believe the whaleboat is much more than a vessel or a sport. It is living cultural heritage, a link to our collective Azorean memory and an expression of an identity deeply connected to the sea. Preserving it also means putting it on the water, passing on the knowledge of how to use it and enabling new generations to become part of this story.
As an independent crew, we seek to work with businesses, nautical clubs, associations and other institutions that own or care for boats belonging to the Azorean whaling heritage, encouraging their use, appreciation and preservation through rowing and other initiatives connected to whaling culture.
Our crew is built on three fundamental principles: transparency, inclusiveness and equity. We want to promote a healthy, supportive and respectful environment where everyone has the opportunity to take part.
We want to row, learn and enjoy the sea, preserving the Azorean whaling tradition and promoting friendship, sharing and respect.
Competition may be part of our journey, but it will never be our main purpose.
We welcome exchanges of experience and knowledge between crews, encouraging mutual visits, exchanges and sharing our activities with visitors and other organisations connected to whaleboats. We believe collaboration and mutual learning are essential to preserving and strengthening this tradition.
Because heritage stays alive when it is shared
We share our activities and knowledge of whaleboats with visitors and the community.
We organise exchanges and visits to other crews and clubs, strengthening our connections.
We believe in exchanging knowledge: we learn from those who visit us and those we visit.
Our door — and our sea — are always open.
