Portuguese Historic Ships

Lugger Creoula (Greenland)

The lonely doryman (Greenland)

The White Fleet

The name White Fleet comes from the white hulls painting of Portuguese ships

during World War II. As Portugal was a neutral country in that conflict, the white

painting worked as a code for the submarines crossing the Atlantic, not to attack,

recognizing the Portuguese vessels by their white hulls and the national flag

painted over. This measure also turned easier the sight of the vessels in convoy

or under fog.

The Portuguese cod fishing fleet was the last major world fleet to use sailing

vessels for the commercial exploitation of an economic activity. In the 1950s,

when trawlers were already used in the seas of Newfoundland and cod was

scarce, the Portuguese kept the tradition - and the proud! - sailing with their

schooners further north to Greenland. There, in Davis Strait, above the Arctic

Circle, the Portuguese fishermen stayed long hours in their dories fishing cod with

hand lines.

The Portuguese explored the coastal waters of Newfoundland since the XV

century but their international recognition only became known pretty later due to

the writings of a man: Alan Villiers, who took part in a campaign aboard the

“Argus” in 1951. That trip inspired him to write two articles published in the

National Geographic Magazine, "I sailed with Captain Portugal's Courageous" and

"The Lonely Dorymen” and he also wrote a book of reference about that activity:

"The Quest of the Schooner Argus".

Gil Eanes – served the White Fleet during the 20th century. Every year from May to October, around 7000 fishermen sailed to fish cod in the cold

waters of Newfoundland, Labrador and Greenland. The ship Gil Eanes served as ship hospital to these brave dorymen.

Fishing cod in Newfoundland – The doryman had to collect the cod from the hooks. There around 60 doryman in every

main ship. Each doryman could to collect up to one ton of cod per day.

Drying cod in the sun – When a lugger was completely loaded with it set sail towards Portugal where the cod was placed to dry in the sun.

Dry cod – the faithful buddy

2013 - Gil Eanes – Has retired from active service and has been transformed into a Youth hostel.

2013 - NTM Creoula – Is currently a training ship for Portuguese sailors.