The declaration as a cultural heritage asset comes after the Consell de Mallorca acquired the vessel for 175,000 euros, with a commitment to restore and conserve it. The Rafael, built in Palma in 1915, is a unique example of early 20th-century traditional Latin sail navigation.

For many years, the Rafael used Palamós, on the Costa Brava, as its home port. Excursions organized by its skipper allowed many people to sail on this singular piece, promoting its heritage value.

The publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) formalizes a decision approved by the Consell de Mallorca on May 14. The purchase was finalized before a notary a few weeks ago, as announced by the island institution on May 23.

According to the BOE, the protection is based on criteria such as age, typological and constructive uniqueness, state of conservation, and originality, factors that make the Rafael a heritage element deserving maximum legal protection under the regional heritage law.

Measuring 12.90 meters in length, 4.40 meters in beam, and 1.33 meters in depth, the vessel is constructed with holm oak and olive wood for the frames and pine planking, with a capacity for 25 passengers. The restoration, set to begin in the coming months, will employ traditional shipbuilding techniques and will allow for school visits.

The previous owner, Jan Santolaria Curel, son of Joan Santolaria Sarabia (owner from 1995 until November 2024), promoted the maintenance and dissemination of traditional navigation for three decades, fulfilling the wish for the boat to return to Mallorca.