STP Shipyard Palma lifts historic llaüt ‘Rafael’ for restoration

On August 12th, the historic vessel Rafael, built in 1915 at the Llompart shipyards in Palma, was lifted at STP Shipyard Palma in an operation coordinated with the Council of Mallorca.

The event was attended by the Second Vice President and Minister of Environment, Rural Affairs, and Sports, Pedro Bestard, accompanied by Bernat Oliver, coordinator of the Maritime Heritage Unit. Michael Curel, partner of the previous owner, Joan Santolaria, was also present.

The operation marks the beginning of a comprehensive restoration plan, which will be carried out at the Son Bonet (Marratxí) shipwright workshop over approximately one year.

The lifting took place in Palma harbor using STP Shipyard Palma’s crane and travel lift. In the first phase, the crane removed the masts to facilitate handling of the vessel; the llaüt was then lifted out of the water and placed on a specialized transport for road transfer.

At the workshop, Rafael will undergo a thorough inspection and renovation of any necessary components, employing traditional ship carpentry techniques to ensure the preservation of its original character.

Measuring 12.90 meters in length, 4.40 meters in beam, and 1.33 meters in depth, Rafael is a traditional fishing vessel originally designed for sailing operations. Its restoration will ensure that this gem of Balearic maritime heritage continues to serve as a living testament to the island’s nautical history and traditions.

For STP Shipyard Palma, participating in this project is both an honor and an opportunity to apply their expertise and technical resources to the conservation of historic vessels, reinforcing their commitment to the sea and the preservation of the Balearic Islands’ maritime legacy.