Launch of the San Juan, a look back at a moment full of emotion!

The event took place on November 7th at the port of Pasaia, near San Sebastián in the Basque Country, a truly moving moment for the crowd gathered for the occasion. The star of the day? The exact replica of the "San Juan," a majestic 16th ^- century whaling ship, a symbol of Basque maritime expertise and heritage. Without a doubt, November 7, 2025, will be etched in history as the exceptional day of the "San Juan's" launch.

Photo credit ©La Fabrique Albaola

A timeless emblem of the Basque Country

What a marvel the "San Juan" was ! Renowned at the time as one of the sturdiest and most ingenious ships, this 16th ^- century whaling vessel, built in 1553 in Pasajes, nevertheless sank off the coast of Labrador in 1565. It wasn't until 1978, 400 years after its sinking, that its wreck was discovered—a boon for archaeologists who spent nearly 30 years analyzing the remains of this majestic galleon. But the most audacious idea comes from Xabier Agote, the director of Fabrique Albaola, who envisions a project to bring the "San Juan" and its historical past back to life through an identical replica. The challenge is on!

An emotional launch in Pasaia

It took the shipwrights of Albaola over 11 years to bring the "San Juan" back to life. And the result is astonishing, as the techniques and materials of the period were used on this unique project to faithfully reproduce the elegance of the "San Juan." With the hull work completed, this magnificent 16th- ^century whaling ship is ready to return to the calm waters of Pasaia Bay, to the delight of an awestruck crowd. It was on November 7th that this maritime masterpiece set sail for the ocean, much to the pride of Xabier Agote.

A construction project still underway and some great plans

Although the "San Juan" is now safely moored in the port of Pasais, the work is not yet finished, as some essential elements are still missing from this impressive whaler, such as 4km of rope, two sets of sails of 600m2 each, masts, forged anchors, whaleboats, copper cauldrons, barrels… A major project which will be open to the public again from spring 2026.

And for 2027 ? New surprises await you as XabierAgote already plans to train around forty crew members to set sail again, heading for the Canadian coast.

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