08/11/2025
Yesterday was an important day in basque history. We witnessed the launch if the "Nao San Juan" in Pasaia.
It's an amazing story. The galeon for whale hunting that sailed from this port to Labrador and sank 1565 just before Red Bay. The ship was found 1978 and in 1985 National Geographic published an article about Basque whalers in Amerika.
Shipbuilder Xabier Agote was fascinated back then, created the Ribera shipbuilding factory Albaola in the 90s. Years later, with his team of carpenters and many many volunteers from different countries, built a replica of the Nao San Juan, for the last 12 years, with ancient methods, just like our ancestors 5 centuries ago.
We have seen it being built from the beginning, step by step. A fascinating and very ambitious undertaking, that allowed us to learn about our history, the basques a shipbuilders and pioneers in whale hunting. What a privilege to see the Nao grow and come to life! I had the privilege to take many visitors to show, explain the project and admire the hard work with this beautiful endavour. Also write and talk about it as a journalist.
Yesterday morning at the press conference, we could see the ship ready to be launched. Xabier took the time to talk about all details if the process. In the afternoon, thousands of curious locals came to see the Nao swim. After the official act with presence from Canada and institutions, we were all overwhelmed to finally see our Nao San Juan touch water for the first time and cross the bay to be taken to the other side for the winter. Anchors, masts, sails and other assecoirs are still missing and have to be made, before it can sail to visit its original in Red Bay. Very much looking forward.
Zorionak guztioi!! 💙
.gov.ca @
