The Rabelo´s boat race

Posted by C.daSILVA / at Wednesday, July 06, 2011 / /

Every year on St. John´s day (June 24th), it takes place a official initiative of the Port wine Brotherhood, all the Port wine brands compete in a race with the ancient "rabelo" boat, that was the old transportation for the Port wine barrels, in those brave journeys from the Douro Valley till Vila Nova de Gaia.
(CEO´s of each cellar make part of the crew too)

These boats were replaced by train and cistern trucks in May 1971, now we may see the old "rabelo" skiff in the Douro river only for decor.
The race started in Afurada´s seaport and the finish line was in Ribeira, near to the bridge of  D. Luís, in front of the Port wine warehouses, both shores of the Douro river were crowded, thousands of people.
The 27th race had a special moment, it was the first time that DALVA´s boat was racing, side by side with it´s partner the GRAN CRUZ´s boat.

This year the winner was CALÉM, nice race !!!
CONGRATULATIONS !!