BELA VISTA

Date1999

MediumWOOD

Object number2003.43

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionAzorean whaleboat built in Horta, Azores in 1999 with a full set of oars, including a steering oar; a full set of paddles; two masts; a full set of sails and rigging; two proper line boxes; a harpoon; and a lance.

From Summer 2017 Bulletin: "The Museum has been an unwavering partner of the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society (AMHS) since the Society’s founding in 1997. AMHS’ mission is to promote Azorean culture and whaling heritage by raising awareness and pride within New England’s Azorean-American community and recognizing the rich maritime heritage commonly shared for more than 150 years between New Bedford and the Azores. With this vision the Bela Vista, the first Azorean whaleboat ever to be constructed post-whaling era, was brought to the U.S. and launched in New Bedford through this partnership. An active extension of the Museum, the Bela Vista has been maintained and used for recreational rowing and sailing by AMHS since her launching on September 7, 1997. AMHS also serves a role on the Museum’s Portuguese Advisory Council, guiding the Museum’s events and exhibitions pertaining to Portuguese maritime culture, including the
Azorean Whalemen Gallery".

From Azorean Maritime Heritage Society website, April 2023: "We share a third boat, the Bela Vista, with the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Bela Vista was completed in 1997 in the Azores by master boatbuilder Joao Silveira Tavares of Pico. She was contracted for construction by Lance Lee of The Apprenticeshop, with apprentices Bruce Halabisky (who later began construction on Faial and Pico) and Adam Stone. Bela Vista was first launched in Horta, Faial, and was later transported to New Bedford and donated to the Whaling Museum for shared use with AMHS. She is the first Azorean whaleboat in the United States and was launched in New Bedford on September 7, 1997."

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