The batel, the last survivor

The batel was the smallest of the fishing vessels operating on the Basque coast. With three or four thwarts it was used for a great number of different tasks. It was the fisherman's personal vessel, allowing him to go on fishing close to the harbour when for any reason the launches did not put out to sea. Generally these vessels had only one mast though in some cases, they imitated the larger twin-masted launches. During the first part of the twentieth century they were adopted as a recreational vessel in tourist locations along the coast. Half-way through the century, the use of sail was finally abandoned and the shape began to be adapted for rowing. Recent years have seen increased interest in this vessel; several of the traditional bateles still operating have been restored to work under sail.

Lugrigged batel. © José Lopez

Replica of a nineteenth century batel under construction at the Ontziola Centre for Research and Construction of Traditional Vessels in Pasaia. The vessel is being built as part of a programme to recover typical Basque vessels. © José Lopez

The Mutiozabal collection contains various plans of bateles from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. Thanks to their work we now have a clear idea of its characteristics and the developments it has experienced over that period. © José Lopez

Gozategi workshop in Orio. Jose Manuel heating up the strakes with steam from the boiler, for the last batel built by the coastal carpenters. It was made for the Territorial Government of Gipuzkoa's Untzi Museoa (Shipping Museum), based on templates for an old vessel from Orio. © José Lopez

Several traditional wooden bateles have been preserved thanks to the efforts of a number of enthusiasts of the seafaring tradition. They are currently used for sports fishing and recreation. © José Lopez

The interest aroused by this small vessel extends beyond the Basque Country; in 2008, the Breton association Défi du Traict built the first replica of a nineteenth-century Basque batel, which they named Pasaia. © José Lopez

Batels were used for ferrying passengers across estuaries. Passing through Pasaia, Victor Hugo, noted that the people operating the ferries were all women; since the port at the time was largely given over to foreign trade, most of the menfolk were away on board ship. © José Lopez