The sailing culture in Cabedelo - The Caicos Race and the maintenance of culture
Gaps in the landscape, the expression “look at the fray” will perish. The shape of the sails lies, the noise in the sea comes, another rhythm to navigate.
By Museu Marítimo EXEA
By Ocione Fernandes
Caico with a sterndrive engine and in the background the sails stand out in the caicos (2021) by Ocione FernandesMuseu Marítimo EXEA
In the foreground, a caíco with a sterndrive engine and fishing net. In the background, sails stand out in the caícos.
The sterndrive engine quickly became popular among fishermen due to easy access and maintenance, low fuel consumption and power compatible with the caícos that predominate in the river estuary. This change lies underneath the absence of candles in the landscape.
Sailing and engines (2021) by Ocione FernandesMuseu Marítimo EXEA
Gradually, sailing has acquired a connotation that drives away from artisanal fishing and approaches recreation and leisure among riverside dwellers.
The practicality of the sterndrive motor in fishing is notorious, in relation to the objects necessary for sailing, however, the coexistence between both is possible, and is in evidence during the Caícos Race.
Teams adjust sails and position vessels before departure (2021) by Ocione FernandesMuseu Marítimo EXEA
The teams adjust the sails and position the vessels
The Caícos Race is an event promoted by artisanal fishermen from Cabedelo and is the only way to see vessels of this size sailing on the Paraíba do Norte River or on the coast.
The landscape of the Jardim Manguinhos neighborhood is transformed with the presence of the sails of the boats (2021) by Ocione FernandesMuseu Marítimo EXEA
The landscape is transformed with the presence of sails
The positioning of the boats on the start grid calls the attention of the residents of the neighbourhood, who gather themselves on the banks of the river to cheer for the event.
Every fisherman's technique is evidenced during the Caicos Race - Part 1 (2021) by Ocione FernandesMuseu Marítimo EXEA
All fisherman's skills are presented during the Caícos Race.
Every fisherman's technique is evidenced during the Caicos Race - Part 2 (2022) by Ocione FernandesMuseu Marítimo EXEA
The use of sails on boats is increasingly losing its connotation of work, transport and subsistence, to be replaced by recreation, leisure and competition on weekends.
The decrease in sailing on the Paraíba do Norte River has been due to several factors, such as the change in materials and market demand. However, the Corrida de Caicos has maintained the tradition among fishermen.
Registering and exhibiting artefacts and practices that are constantly changing and, in some cases, falling into disuse, is fundamental to the process of preserving the material and immaterial culture that permeates the city of Cabedelo.
Riverside people adjusting the lock on the mast in the foreground (2021) by Ocione FernandesMuseu Marítimo EXEA
Sailing culture in Cabedelo - Introduction
This is session 4 of 4. Go back to session 1.
Text, research and Photography
M.Sc. Ocione Fernandes
Translation
D.Sc. Antônio Lawand
Advisor & Designer
D.Sc. Ticiano Alves
Campus Cabedelo of Paraiba Federal Institute - IFPB
D.Sc. Renata Amorim Cadena & M.Sc. Rafael Leite Efrem de Lima
Sources
ALVES, Ticiano. (2020). O patrimônio naval e o seu estudo pela Arqueologia: algumas considerações. Pesquisa e Ensino em Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, v. 4.
BONSIEPE, Gui. Design, Cultura e Sociedade. São Paulo: Blucher, 2011.
CANDAU, Joel. Memória e Identidade. São Paulo: Contexto, 2012.
DOHMANN, Marcus et al. A experiência material: a cultura do objeto. Rio de Janeiro: Rio Books, 2013.
FUNARI, P. P. A.; FERREIRA, L. M. (2003). Cultura Material Histórica e Patrimônio, IFCH/UNICAMP, Campinas.
MENDES, J. Amado. (2013). Estudos do património: museus e educação. 2. ed. Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra.
PIMENTEL, Altimar de Alencar. Cabedelo (História). v. 2 João Pessoa: A União Editora/ Prefeitura Municipal de Cabedelo, 2002.
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