The Consell de Mallorca has recovered this traditional llaüt-type vessel to ensure its preservation and dedicate it to activities promoting the island’s maritime heritage.
The President of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, and the Second Vice President and Councillor for Environment, Rural Affairs, and Sports, Pedro Bestard, welcomed the traditional Mallorcan fishing boat Rafael upon its arrival in Mallorca. The llaüt-type vessel docked in the port of Palma, coming from Palamós, where it had been moored.
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President Galmés Welcomes the Centenary Fishing Boat Rafael Upon Its Arrival in Mallorca
Now, back in Mallorca, the boat will be managed by the Island Council’s Maritime Heritage Unit. It will undergo a conservation plan and be used for educational and cultural activities focused on traditional boats, fishing, and other elements of the island’s maritime legacy.
Also present at the reception were Luis Rubí, Director of Environment, and Bernat Oliver, Maritime Heritage Technician.
President Galmés greeted the current owner, Jan Santolaria Curel, son of Joan Santolaria Sarabia, who owned the boat for 30 years and devoted much effort to maintaining it and promoting traditional Latin sail navigation.
“Rafael has been in Palamós for many years, where many people have enjoyed outings organized by its skipper, Joan Santolaria. From 1998 until now, Joan has cared for Rafael,” said Jan Santolaria, acknowledging his father’s dedication.
President Galmés expressed his satisfaction:
“We are proud to welcome Rafael back to Mallorca, a vessel of great heritage value that is now 110 years old. Built at the Llompart shipyards in Palma, it is now being returned to all Mallorcans by the Consell.”
Councillor Bestard explained:
“In the coming days, the vessel will be transferred to the mestres d’aixa workshop in preparation for future restoration,” adding that Rafael “will be used for activities promoting the island’s maritime heritage and traditional Latin sail navigation.”
Restoration Using Traditional Shipbuilding Techniques (mestres d’aixa)
The boat is over 110 years old and remains in seaworthy condition. However, the Department of Environment plans an ambitious restoration project, including a thorough inspection and the replacement of deteriorated components using traditional mestres d’aixa techniques.
This will be a meticulous intervention, in line with the Heritage Law that governs the treatment of protected cultural assets. During its stay at the workshop, the boat will be visited primarily by schoolchildren to raise awareness of its historical and cultural significance.
History of the Centenary Mallorcan Boat
In 1915, Jaume Picornell Barceló and the brothers Rafael and Bartomeu Font Bosch commissioned the Llompart shipyards in Palma to build two llaüts for paired fishing. Thus, Rafael and Bartolomé were born, following the shipbuilding tradition of Mallorca’s mestres d’aixa.
Unlike Bartolomé, Rafael remained in the Font Picornell family until its skipper retired, after which the boat was listed for recreational use. This prevented its dismantling and allowed Rafael to remain seaworthy to this day.
Rafael is considered a first-generation barca de bou, originally built to sail using only wind propulsion. Measuring 12.90 meters in length, 4.40 meters in beam, and 1.33 meters in depth, it was built with oak and olive wood for the ribs, pine for the planking, and can carry up to 25 passengers.
Agreement and Future Use
The Consell de Mallorca and the current owner have signed a collaboration agreement allowing the temporary and free use of the vessel until its purchase by the Consell is completed. Once acquired and restored, Rafael will be used for environmental and maritime heritage outreach—just like the currently operational vessel Balear, also managed by the Consell.