Recreating the route of the discovery of Brazil by the Portuguese. This is how the Sailboat “Cisne Branco” began its history. Incorporated into the Navy on March 9, 2000, during the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Discovery, it made its maiden voyage from Lisbon towards Porto Seguro, repeating the steps of Cabral. It is the third ship to bear this name in the Brazilian Navy (MB) and, since then, it has traveled to more than 30 nations, representing the country in regattas, festivals and events that celebrate nautical culture.
With 25 years of history, the “White Swan” is a key piece in naval diplomacy and an important cultural heritage of the Navy. Built by the Damen Oranjewerf shipyard in the Netherlands, it was baptized and launched on August 4, 1999, and delivered to MB on February 4, 2000. More than a sailboat, the “White Swan” is a symbol of Brazil’s connection with the world, carrying on its decks remarkable stories and episodes.
Mission and history
With its imposing structure and sails in the wind, the Sailboat “Cisne Branco” plays an essential role in projecting Brazil’s image abroad. In addition to representing the country in regattas and protocol visits, it promotes the maritime mentality and contributes to the training of the Force’s military personnel, such as Midshipmen, Naval College students, and Apprentice-Sailors.
On board, Navy students receive training that goes beyond modern navigation, developing discipline, teamwork, and respect for traditions. During missions, they actively participate in sailing maneuvers and other ship operations, consolidating the practical learning essential to a naval career.
Since its incorporation, the “White Swan” has traveled the oceans on several missions. In its first year of service, it participated in Operation “Sail”, in 2000 in the United States. In 2002, it won first place in the “A” category of the “America’s Sail” Regatta, repeating the feat in 2006. It was also present at international festivals and at the “Velas Latinoamerica”, which bring together the largest sailboats in the world every four years. The next edition will be in 2027.
Last year, the ship participated in important missions in Brazil, such as instructional trips and Operation “White Swan.” On the international scene, it was in the United States and Portugal, in celebration of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the U.S., reinforcing its diplomatic activities on the seas.
Technical characteristics
The sailboat is 76 meters long, 10.5 meters wide and has a draft of 4.8 meters. Its propulsion combines a 1001 HP diesel engine with an impressive set of 25 sails. When in full navigation, it can reach up to 32 kilometers per hour. The ship has three masts and has 18 km of cables (ropes). The ship is also equipped with modern navigation systems, such as the Sperry Marine FT-250 radar, ensuring safety and precision on its trips. The fixed crew consists of 52 military personnel.
Inside the “White Swan”
Despite its compact appearance, the Sailboat holds a refined atmosphere inside, full of historical elements and carefully designed to ensure the comfort of the crew during long journeys.
The interior design is inspired by fast sailing ships of the late nineteenth century, before the popularization of steamboats. The “Clipper” class, to which it belongs, was one of the last used for the merchant routes of the time.
Among the outstanding elements are the nineteenth-century chandeliers, adapted to follow the ship’s swing and prevent oil from being spilled. The chandeliers, in times past, were filled with whale oil and illuminated the space with fire during voyages.
Another highlight is the central stained glass window, which portrays Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro. This stained glass window was not part of the ship’s original design and was a gift from the shipyard to the Brazilian Navy. The idea was to provide crew members with a symbolic bond with their homeland, reinforcing the feeling of belonging during missions.
Upon entering one of the main spaces of the sailboat, it is possible to see the image of Our Lady of Good Hope. Considered one of the patron saints of sailors, she occupies a special place in the “White Swan”, affectionately called the “lobby of the Saint”. The image is a replica of the same one that accompanied Pedro Álvares Cabral in the caravel that brought the Portuguese to Brazil.
The mystery of the “currency lobby”
Among the many curiosities surrounding the “White Swan”, one of the most intriguing is the tradition of the “coin lobby”. During its construction, a coin was placed at the base of the main mast, which is 46 meters high, equivalent to a 15-story building.
This tradition dates back to Greek mythology, according to which coins were placed with the deceased to pay the ferryman Charon, responsible for crossing the souls to the world of the dead. Following this belief, the Navy sent a letter to the shipyard in the Netherlands requesting that the custom be maintained. Thus, a 1936 coin was placed at the base of the mast, symbolically guaranteeing protection to sailors. The coin, which circulated in Brazil in the 1930s, was worth 100 réis and bears the image of the Marquis of Tamandaré, patron of the Navy.
Life on board: through the eyes of those who serve
Those who have served on the ship often say that “living aboard the ‘White Swan’ is a unique experience.” The Head of the Second Division, Lieutenant Captain Willian Ferro de Oliveira Melo, describes the ship as “a symbol of tradition, excellence, and national representation.” For him, the sailboat is a true link between the past and present of the Brazilian Navy.
In addition to rigorous training and a disciplined routine, crew members are faced with unique challenges of hybrid navigation. “The combination of sails and engine allows for safer and more efficient navigation. The engine assists in times of need, such as quick maneuvers and the absence of wind, ensuring that we can fulfill our missions accurately,” explains the Officer.
The ship’s master, First Sergeant Renato Alves Reis Junior, points out that life on the “White Swan” teaches a lot about teamwork. “On board, each crew member has their fundamental role, and this is essential,” he said.
For the ship’s Commander, Captain Eduardo Rabha Tozzini, leading the “White Swan” is a source of great pride. “It is a great honor to command this ship,” he says. He also highlights the unique beauty of the sailboat. “It is considered the most beautiful ship in the Navy.”
The “White Swan” has a program scheduled for this year that includes several cities along the Brazilian coast. The itinerary is divided into two phases: In the first, the ship will start its activities in Angra dos Reis, where it will be received at the port, open to public visitation and will go out with students from the Naval College to Enseada Batista das Neves. Then, it will participate in the “Ilhabela Vela Show” and will be present in Itajaí during the celebrations of Navy Day and the city’s anniversary, in addition to receiving students from the School of Apprentices-Sailors of Santa Catarina. The itinerary also includes stops in Rio Grande, Porto Alegre (RS), Paranaguá (PR) and Santos (SP), ending the initial phase in the “52nd Ilhabela International Sailing Week”.
In the second phase, the sailboat will go to Vitória (ES), Maceió (AL), Cabedelo (PB), Natal (RN) and Recife (PE), where it will be visited by students from the Apprentice-Sailor School of Pernambuco. The highlight of this stage will be the participation in the “36th Recife-Fernando de Noronha International Regatta”. The Sailboat “Cisne Branco” will close the “Brazil 2025” Commission, in Guanabara Bay, participating in the “80th Naval Academy Regatta”, on October 12th.
Recreating the route of the discovery of Brazil by the Portuguese. This is how the Sailboat “Cisne Branco” began its history. Incorporated into the Navy on March 9, 2000, during the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the Discovery, it made its maiden voyage from Lisbon towards Porto Seguro, repeating the steps of Cabral. It is the third ship to bear this name in the Brazilian Navy (MB) and, since then, it has traveled to more than 30 nations, representing the country in regattas, festivals and events that celebrate nautical culture.
With 25 years of history, the “White Swan” is a key piece in naval diplomacy and an important cultural heritage of the Navy. Built by the Damen Oranjewerf shipyard in the Netherlands, it was baptized and launched on August 4, 1999, and delivered to MB on February 4, 2000. More than a sailboat, the “White Swan” is a symbol of Brazil’s connection with the world, carrying on its decks remarkable stories and episodes.
Mission and history
With its imposing structure and sails in the wind, the Sailboat “Cisne Branco” plays an essential role in projecting Brazil’s image abroad. In addition to representing the country in regattas and protocol visits, it promotes the maritime mentality and contributes to the training of the Force’s military personnel, such as Midshipmen, Naval College students, and Apprentice-Sailors.
On board, Navy students receive training that goes beyond modern navigation, developing discipline, teamwork, and respect for traditions. During missions, they actively participate in sailing maneuvers and other ship operations, consolidating the practical learning essential to a naval career.
Since its incorporation, the “White Swan” has traveled the oceans on several missions. In its first year of service, it participated in Operation “Sail”, in 2000 in the United States. In 2002, it won first place in the “A” category of the “America’s Sail” Regatta, repeating the feat in 2006. It was also present at international festivals and at the “Velas Latinoamerica”, which bring together the largest sailboats in the world every four years. The next edition will be in 2027.
Last year, the ship participated in important missions in Brazil, such as instructional trips and Operation “White Swan.” On the international scene, it was in the United States and Portugal, in celebration of the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the U.S., reinforcing its diplomatic activities on the seas.
The sailboat is 76 meters long, 10.5 meters wide and has a draft of 4.8 meters. Its propulsion combines a 1001 HP diesel engine with an impressive set of 25 sails. When in full navigation, it can reach up to 32 kilometers per hour. The ship has three masts and has 18 km of cables (ropes). The ship is also equipped with modern navigation systems, such as the Sperry Marine FT-250 radar, ensuring safety and precision on its trips. The fixed crew consists of 52 military personnel.
The sailboat is 76 meters long, 10.5 meters wide and has a draft of 4.8 meters. Its propulsion combines a 1001 HP diesel engine with an impressive set of 25 sails. When in full navigation, it can reach up to 32 kilometers per hour. The ship has three masts and has 18 km of cables (ropes). The ship is also equipped with modern navigation systems, such as the Sperry Marine FT-250 radar, ensuring safety and precision on its trips. The fixed crew consists of 52 military personnel.
Despite its compact appearance, the Sailboat holds a refined atmosphere inside, full of historical elements and carefully designed to ensure the comfort of the crew during long journeys.
The interior design is inspired by fast sailing ships of the late nineteenth century, before the popularization of steamboats. The “Clipper” class, to which it belongs, was one of the last used for the merchant routes of the time.
Among the outstanding elements are the nineteenth-century chandeliers, adapted to follow the ship’s swing and prevent oil from being spilled. The chandeliers, in times past, were filled with whale oil and illuminated the space with fire during voyages.
Another highlight is the central stained glass window, which portrays Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro. This stained glass window was not part of the ship’s original design and was a gift from the shipyard to the Brazilian Navy. The idea was to provide crew members with a symbolic bond with their homeland, reinforcing the feeling of belonging during missions.
Upon entering one of the main spaces of the sailboat, it is possible to see the image of Our Lady of Good Hope. Considered one of the patron saints of sailors, she occupies a special place in the “White Swan”, affectionately called the “lobby of the Saint”. The image is a replica of the same one that accompanied Pedro Álvares Cabral in the caravel that brought the Portuguese to Brazil.
Among the many curiosities surrounding the “White Swan”, one of the most intriguing is the tradition of the “coin lobby”. During its construction, a coin was placed at the base of the main mast, which is 46 meters high, equivalent to a 15-story building.
This tradition dates back to Greek mythology, according to which coins were placed with the deceased to pay the ferryman Charon, responsible for crossing the souls to the world of the dead. Following this belief, the Navy sent a letter to the shipyard in the Netherlands requesting that the custom be maintained. Thus, a 1936 coin was placed at the base of the mast, symbolically guaranteeing protection to sailors. The coin, which circulated in Brazil in the 1930s, was worth 100 réis and bears the image of the Marquis of Tamandaré, patron of the Navy.
Life on board: through the eyes of those who serve
Those who have served on the ship often say that “living aboard the ‘White Swan’ is a unique experience.” The Head of the Second Division, Lieutenant Captain Willian Ferro de Oliveira Melo, describes the ship as “a symbol of tradition, excellence, and national representation.” For him, the sailboat is a true link between the past and present of the Brazilian Navy.
In addition to rigorous training and a disciplined routine, crew members are faced with unique challenges of hybrid navigation. “The combination of sails and engine allows for safer and more efficient navigation. The engine assists in times of need, such as quick maneuvers and the absence of wind, ensuring that we can fulfill our missions accurately,” explains the Officer.
The ship’s master, First Sergeant Renato Alves Reis Junior, points out that life on the “White Swan” teaches a lot about teamwork. “On board, each crew member has their fundamental role, and this is essential,” he said.
For the ship’s Commander, Captain Eduardo Rabha Tozzini, leading the “White Swan” is a source of great pride. “It is a great honor to command this ship,” he says. He also highlights the unique beauty of the sailboat. “It is considered the most beautiful ship in the Navy.”
Next steps
The “White Swan” has a program scheduled for this year that includes several cities along the Brazilian coast. The itinerary is divided into two phases: In the first, the ship will start its activities in Angra dos Reis, where it will be received at the port, open to public visitation and will go out with students from the Naval College to Enseada Batista das Neves. Then, it will participate in the “Ilhabela Vela Show” and will be present in Itajaí during the celebrations of Navy Day and the city’s anniversary, in addition to receiving students from the School of Apprentices-Sailors of Santa Catarina. The itinerary also includes stops in Rio Grande, Porto Alegre (RS), Paranaguá (PR) and Santos (SP), ending the initial phase in the “52nd Ilhabela International Sailing Week”.
In the second phase, the sailboat will go to Vitória (ES), Maceió (AL), Cabedelo (PB), Natal (RN) and Recife (PE), where it will be visited by students from the Apprentice-Sailor School of Pernambuco. The highlight of this stage will be the participation in the “36th Recife-Fernando de Noronha International Regatta”. The Sailboat “Cisne Branco” will close the “Brazil 2025” Commission, in Guanabara Bay, participating in the “80th Naval Academy Regatta”, on October 12th.