Conil Craftsmen Restore 16th Century Whaler

Antonio and Pedro Muñoz, brothers from Conil de la Frontera successful Cádiz, are bringing their extended maritime expertise to Guipúzcoa to assistance successful nan restoration of nan 16th-century whaling vessel, nan San Juan. The restoration is being carried retired astatine nan Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria successful Pasaia, a task dedicated to reconstructing humanities ships utilizing accepted techniques.

The Muñoz brothers person complete 35 years of acquisition successful boatbuilding and repair. In their shop successful Conil, they person constructed much than 40 woody and fibreglass boats, combining artisanal accomplishment pinch applicable knowledge of maritime craftsmanship. Their extended inheritance successful nan almadraba, nan accepted tuna sportfishing method of confederate Spain, provided them pinch hands-on acquisition successful vessel attraction and construction, laying nan instauration for their information successful this unsocial restoration project.

At Albaola, their activity focuses connected ‘calafateado’, a centuries-old method successful which hemp oakum is inserted into nan seams of woody planks to make a alloy watertight. This specialised task is basal to ensuring nan authenticity and longevity of nan restored San Juan. The task relies connected nan collaboration of artisans from various regions, and nan Muñoz brothers’ presence represents a important publication from Andalucia to Basque maritime heritage.

The business began erstwhile Xabier Agote, president and laminitis of Albaola, visited nan Conil shop to measure nan brothers’ skills. Impressed by their experience, Agote invited them to subordinate nan restoration team. The Muñoz brothers accepted, recognising some nan master and taste worth of moving connected a historical vessel. At ages 56 and 59, respectively, nan Muñoz brothers position this acquisition arsenic a valuable opportunity. “We’ve ne'er worked connected a vessel of this benignant before. We’re learning a lot, gathering group from different countries, sharing ways of working. On a master and individual level, it’s been very enriching. And astatine our age, we’re enjoying it immensely,” they opportunity speaking for nan Diario de Cadiz.