On 12 August, the historic fishing boat Rafael, built in 1915 at the Llompart Shipyard in Palma, was hoisted out at the facilities of STP Shipyard Palma in an operation coordinated together with the Mallorca Island Council.
The event was attended by Pedro Bestard, Deputy Vice President and Minister of Environment, Rural Affairs and Sports, and Bernat Oliver, Coordinator of the Maritime Heritage Unit. Michael Curel, partner of the boat's previous owner, Joan Santolaria, was also present at the hoist-out.
The manoeuvre marked the beginning of an end-to-end refit plan expected to take one year at the Son Bonet marine carpentry workshop in Marratxí, just outside Palma.
The hoist-out took place in the Port of Palma using STP's crane and travel lift. In the first phase, the crane demasted Rafael to make it easier to lift the llaüt out of the water and place her on a truck before being driven to the workshop.
At the workshop, Rafael will undergo a meticulous inspection to detect which elements need to be refitted, applying traditional marine carpentry techniques to preserve her original character.
With a length of 12.90 metres, a beam of 4.40 metres and a moulded depth of 1.33 metres, Rafael is a traditional sail-powered fishing vessel. Thanks to the refit, this jewel of Balearic nautical heritage will continue to be a living testimony to the island's history and maritime tradition.
For STP Shipyard Palma, taking part in this project is an honour and the perfect opportunity to provide its experience and technical resources to the conservation of historic boats, thereby underlining its commitment to the sea and to the preservation of Balearic maritime legacy.
