Rabelo Boat Photos

Here’s a nice explanation of the boats, that I found in a Tourism Office pamphlet:

(...) Hundreds of boats, caught up in the raging currents, have been shattered against the rocks. Gradually, a special skill and boat, the Rebelo, were evolved to navigate the river. These boats were something of the Phoenician sailing boats and something of the Chinese junk in them; they are Phoenician in their sturdy, paddle-like rudder (the espadela) wise enormous beam in the larger boats on the dangerous descents needed ten or more oarsman to handle it; the Chinese influence is seen in the high platform at the stern, the apegada, where these seamen stand as they steer. (...). Jaime CortesaoRead more