The most popular event of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto is back – the Rabelo Boat Regatta.
From 3 pm onwards, these boats parade along the Douro River with their sails raised, which are stamped with the name of the Port wine producer to which they belong.
The event coincides with the festivities of the City of Porto – São João, and brings even more joy and festivity to the city.
Despite being an event taken as a “joke”, competition exists in the Regata dos Barcos Rabelos and everyone fights for first place.
The race starts at the mouth of the Douro River, in Cabedelo, and ends at the most famous point in the city, Luiz I.
Each boat carries its respective Chancellery and in the lead are the “skippers”.
These are the oldest and most experienced elements of the respective Port Wine houses.
This event demonstrates the art of transforming Rabelo Boats into racing craft.
The Rabelo boats used to handle the commercial transport of wine barrels from the Alto Douro to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
