Rabelo Boats Regatta: A Tradition of Port Wine and River Heritage
June 4, 2025
The iconic Sandeman and Rozès rabelo boats during the regatta on the Douro, celebrating the tradition of Port wine. Photo: Confraria do Vinho do Porto
A Celebration on the Douro River
Every year on June 24th, the city of Porto hosts the Rabelo Boats Regatta, a unique event that honors the heritage of Port wine and the iconic vessels that once transported it along the Douro River. This lively competition, organized since 1983 by the Port Wine Brotherhood, draws crowds to the riverbanks from near Cabedelo to the Luís I Bridge, offering a vivid spectacle as traditional rabelo boats race along the Douro River through the heart of Porto.
What Is a Rabelo Boat?
The rabelo is a traditional Portuguese boat historically used to carry Port wine barrels from the vineyards of Peso da Régua to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Unique to the Douro River, this flat-bottomed vessel measures between 19 and 23 meters in length and around 4.5 meters in width. It has no keel and is steered using a large oar known as an espadela, positioned at the stern.
Equipped with a square sail, the boat was typically manned by a crew of six or seven men. Its construction style—using overlapping planks—is considered Nordic in origin, differing from Mediterranean shipbuilding traditions. Before modern transport, rabelos were sometimes hauled by men or oxen along the riverbanks, following paths known as sirga.
From Utility to Legacy
The importance of rabelo boats began to decline with the advent of the Douro railway line in 1887 and improved road infrastructure in the 20th century. By 1961, only a few rabelos remained in use. Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of these vessels, the Port Wine Brotherhood (founded in 1982) made it their mission to preserve the tradition.
The creation of the Rabelo Boats Regatta was a symbolic gesture to keep the spirit of these boats alive. Today, the regatta features rabelos representing various Port wine brands, each bearing their logo on the sails as they race down the Douro.
A Festive Continuation of São João
Taking place the day after the Festas de São João (Saint John’s Festival), the regatta is part of the larger midsummer festivities in Porto. As the city recovers from a night of fireworks, concerts, and grilled sardines, spectators line the river to cheer on their favorite wine labels.
📌 If you enjoyed the magical night of São João in Porto on June 23—with fireworks, concerts, grilled sardines, and joyful traditions—don’t miss the next day’s highlight: the Rabelo Boats Regatta on the Douro River.
👉 Read more about the Festas de São João in Porto
The race typically starts near Afurada, close to the mouth of the Douro River, and finishes beneath the iconic Luís I Bridge. It offers fantastic photo opportunities, sweeping views, and a direct connection to Porto’s wine and maritime heritage.
As the boats glide across the water, their bright sails fluttering in the summer breeze, you can still smell the lingering scent of São João festivities and hear the excited cheers echoing off the historic riverbanks.
The Patron: Prince Henry the Navigator
A fun historical detail: the founders of the Port Wine Brotherhood chose Prince Henry the Navigator (Infante D. Henrique) as their patron. Known for his role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, he symbolizes the maritime spirit and adventurous legacy embodied by the rabelo boats.
Rabelo boats representing Port wine houses compete in the annual Regatta on the Douro, near the Arrábida Bridge. Photo: Confraria do Vinho do Porto
FAQs About the Rabelo Boats Regatta
When does the regatta take place?
Every year on June 24th at 3:30 PM, the day after the Festas de São João.
Where is the best place to watch the regatta?
The race can be viewed from various points along the Douro River, from near Cabedelo to the Luís I Bridge, with excellent views from Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia, and the bridge itself.
What are rabelo boats used for today?
While no longer used for wine transport, they are preserved for cultural purposes and tourism, and are the stars of this annual regatta.
Is it free to attend the regatta?
Yes, the event is free and open to the public.
Experience the Spirit of Port Wine and the Douro Valley
Many wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia offer tastings and guided tours. You can also join a Douro Valley wine tour, which offers a barco rabelo boat tour and in-depth insights into the Port wine region, with vineyard visits and tastings.
👉 Discover the top wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
Our Douro Valley Wine Tours:
👉 Three-Winery Douro Valley Tour
👉 Private Premium Douro Valley Wine Tour