Azorean Maritime Heritage Society

Dr. Mary T. Vermette on Azorean whaleboat

1997

Whaleboat Bela Vista is built in Pico by master boat builder João Silveira Tavares. It is launched in Horta, Faial before being transported to New Bedford and launched here on Sept. 7, 1997. That November, Dr. Mary T. Vermette founds the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society.

Azorean whaleboats Faial and Pico launching in New Bedford in 2000

1999-2000

Whaleboats Faial and Pico are built in New Bedford for AMHS. The boats are launched in New Bedford on June 10, 2000.

Azorean Maritime Heritage Society scholarship recipients and board members

2003

AMHS book awards are first awarded. These small awards eventually expand to a larger educational scholarship in memory of AMHS founder Dr. Mary T. Vermette.

men putting up mast on Azorean whaleboat in New Bedford

2004

The first International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta is held in New Bedford. Two teams from the Azorean islands of Pico and Faial travel to the USA to compete in rowing and sailing races.

International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta in the Azores

2005

The second International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta is held. A team from the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society travels to the Azores to compete in rowing and sailing races.

2007

AMHS celebrates its 10th anniversary with the third International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta in New Bedford.

2013

During the seventh International Azorean Whaleboat Regatta, the first-ever Dabney Cup is held. Six whaleboats ‒ three Azorean-style and three Yankee-style ‒ competed against each other to determine which would perform best under row and sail.

History