In a corner of Gaia’s riverfront, there stands, discreetly, the only boatbuilding yard in existence along the entire navigable length of the River Douro, from its mouth all the way to Spain. It is thanks to this yard that the existence of one of Oporto’s greatest symbols is able to endure, rabelo boats. António Sousa, who owns the company Socrenaval - Sociedade de Querenagem e Construção Naval do Rio Douro, explains the years of dedication, hands in pockets, a smile on his face. «This traditional boatyard is steeped in history. It did and still does, primarily, repairs on wooden vessels, whether for fishing, or others, now very old, such as sailing ships, that came from Nordic countries and from England». But the speciality consists of maintaining one of the greatest trademarks connected to the history of Port Wine. It was in this «nest» that many of the traditional boats that transported the casks of this famed beverage were built. «I think that we have an extremely important role when it comes to building and repairing vessels that sustain our maritime heritage. And this work is an asset on a national and international level, because it involves the preservation we ensure of rabelo boats», explains António.
«All the boats that are anchored next to the cellars were built here in our yard»
At the moment, due to the tradition of the Saint John Boat Race, almost every Port Wine cellar based in Gaia has its own rabelo boat to compete in the event, which takes place on Saint John’s Day. The race, which always plays an important part in the city’s celebrations and in promoting Port Wine, means that the owners undertake maintenance work on their boats each year. «All the boats that are anchored next to the cellars were built here in our yard, 10, 15, 20…30 years ago, or even longer», the yard owner reveals. A reason for happiness, which ensures the continuing activity of all the hands working there. «We take great pride in the work we do here», one of the workers assures us. More than 50 boats had already been built here. The rabelo boats alone, 17 metres in length, take between three to four months to build. And if they are regularly repaired, they can sail for between 30 to 40 years. «It’s extremely gratifying, because every boat that we build is unique. Even though there are moulds, shapes and dimensions that have to be adhered to, there are always small changes that are made, merely aesthetic. And, as they are boats made one at a time, they end up very much reflecting the mood of the person building them. This means that they are always different», António assures us.
«The rabelo boats alone, 17 metres in length, take between three to four months to build»
