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Replica of 16th‑Century Basque Whaler San Juan Launched in Pasaia

The launch crowns a decade-long, research-led rebuild grounded in the Red Bay archaeological record.

Overview

  • The hull entered the water on November 7, briefly oscillated at full float, then stabilized and was towed into the port dársena for months of fitting-out.
  • Technicians had preloaded 50,000 kilograms of stone ballast to manage stability during the botadura, with tugs escorting the first transit inside the bay.
  • Thousands lined both shores as ETB broadcast the ceremony live, with a cider baptism replacing champagne and traditional gestures marking the descent.
  • Albaola led the 10–12 year reconstruction using period shipbuilding techniques and volunteer labor informed by Parks Canada research and findings documented by Selma Huxley-Barkham and Robert Grenier.
  • Organizers reaffirm a program to step the masts, rig and equip the vessel this winter, pursue a commemorative Atlantic crossing to Red Bay in summer 2027, and operate it thereafter as a ship‑museum.