The island of Faial will become the epicenter of Azorean maritime heritage, hosting two major international events that honor the seafaring traditions shared between the Azores and its diaspora communities.
From July 2 to 6, the city of Horta, Faial, will welcome the XIII International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta, co-organized with the New Bedford-based Azorean Maritime Heritage Society (AMHS), in partnership with local institutions.
This edition will feature a special three-day competition under the banner of the “Regata da Amizade,” highlighting the strong historical and cultural ties between the two Atlantic communities.
The International Whaleboat Regatta is held biennially and alternates between the Azores and the United States. Teams from the Azores and New Bedford will compete in rowing and sailing races, while the community enjoys a full cultural program that includes public sails, youth activities, and heritage exhibits that celebrate the deep-rooted maritime connection.
Following the whaleboat regatta, from July 26 to August 3, 2025, Clube Naval da Horta will organize the 36th edition of the Atlantis Cup – Regata da Autonomia. This prestigious offshore sailing race, held across multiple islands, links São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, and concludes in Horta.
With participation from national and international crews, the regatta is a flagship event for Azorean sailing and tourism, combining competition with cultural exchange.
Together, the Regata da Amizade and Atlantis Cup affirm Faial’s role as a key venue for preserving and promoting the Azores’ unique maritime legacy. These events not only foster sporting excellence but also reinforce the historical bonds and friendship between the Azores and Portuguese-American communities, particularly in New Bedford.\, Massachusetts.
The Azorean Maritime Heritage Society (AMHS), based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Azorean maritime history and culture, particularly the unique tradition of Azorean whaleboats. Founded in 1997, AMHS maintains a fleet of authentic, handcrafted whaleboats built according to 19th-century designs, organizes cultural events, and supports educational and youth programs that celebrate the enduring ties between the Azores and its diaspora. Through initiatives like the International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta and community outreach, the Society plays a vital role in fostering transatlantic connections and honoring the shared seafaring heritage of Azorean and Portuguese-American communities. Follow AMHS on Facebook.
Carolina Matos/Editor
The Azores (population 250,000) is a region of Portugal composed of nine islands. The archipelago, discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976. The government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores includes the Legislative Assembly, composed of 57 elected deputies, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; the Regional Government and Presidency, with parliamentary legitimacy, composed of a President, a Vice-President and seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government’s executive operations. The Autonomous Region of the Azores is represented in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government by a representative appointed by the President of Portugal. According to the latest US census, over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent live in the United States, the majority with roots in the Azores. It is estimated that over 20,000 US citizens live in Portugal.
