The Rafael fishing boat returns to Mallorca after being acquired by the Council

The Consell de Mallorca has completed the acquisition of the historic Rafael vessel, one of the last first-generation “barques de bou” built in Palma and recently declared a cultural heritage asset, granting it the highest level of protection established under Balearic heritage legislation. The purchase marks the return to Mallorca of one of the island’s most representative traditional maritime vessels from the early twentieth century.

The acquisition agreement was formally signed this week at the headquarters of the island institution for a total amount of 175,000 euros. The signing ceremony included the participation of the president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, together with the current owner of the vessel, Jan Santolaria Curel, as well as representatives from the departments of Environment, Rural Affairs, Sports, Finance and Public Administration.

Michele Curel, partner of the former owner Joan Santolaria Sarabia, also attended the event. Santolaria dedicated more than thirty years to preserving the vessel and promoting the traditional Mediterranean lateen sail navigation heritage. His commitment helped safeguard an important part of Mallorca’s maritime culture and ensured the historical continuity of the Rafael.

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The Rafael fishing boat returns to Mallorca after being acquired by the Council

Representatives of the island institution highlighted that the acquisition will contribute to expanding Mallorca’s maritime heritage and preserving a vessel regarded as a key element of the island’s nautical history. Authorities also emphasized the boat’s cultural, historical and ethnographic significance as a symbol of Mallorca’s traditional seafaring identity.

Following the completion of the purchase process, the vessel will undergo a comprehensive restoration programme in a specialised traditional shipbuilding workshop led by mestres d’aixa craftsmen. The restoration will focus on repairing and renewing deteriorated elements while respecting traditional naval carpentry techniques. During this period, the vessel will remain accessible for educational visits, particularly for school groups interested in learning about Mallorca’s maritime heritage and the historical importance of lateen sail navigation.

The Rafael was built in 1915 at the Llompart Shipyards in Palma as a traditional fishing boat originally designed to sail using only wind power. Measuring almost thirteen metres in length and constructed with traditional woods such as holm oak, olive wood and pine, the vessel represents one of the finest surviving examples of traditional Mallorcan naval architecture.

For many years, the boat remained in Palamós on the Costa Brava, where it became widely known through cultural and sailing activities organised by its owner and skipper. Before his death in November 2024, Joan Santolaria Sarabia expressed his wish for the Rafael to eventually return to Mallorca, a goal now achieved through this institutional acquisition.

The incorporation of the Rafael into public heritage will strengthen ongoing maritime outreach initiatives across Mallorca and complement educational and cultural activities linked to other historic vessels on the island. Through this operation, the Consell de Mallorca reinforces its commitment to preserving traditional maritime heritage and bringing Mallorca’s nautical history closer to future generations.