Every boat has a story. Pepita, our classic wooden llaüt, is much more than a vessel; it is a living witness to the evolution of the Costa Brava, the fishing tradition that has defined Roses for generations, and the region's transformation toward experience tourism. From its origins as a purse seine fishing boat to its new life as a leisure vessel for groups, Pepita embodies the historical and cultural richness of the Catalan Mediterranean.
The Origins: 1969 – A Boat Born at Xufré Shipyard
Construction and Technical Specifications
Pepita was built in 1969 by Astilleros Xufré, S.A., one of the most prestigious shipyards in Catalonia. The boat was built entirely from wood.
Dimensions:
- Length: 15 meters
- Beam: 4.6 meters
What Makes Pepita a Traditional Catalan Llaüt
To be considered a true llaüt, a boat must meet very specific characteristics:
Wooden Construction: The llaüt must be built entirely from wood, using traditional naval carpentry techniques.
Shape and Proportions: Llaüts have a robust and versatile hull, with a pronounced bow and a rounded stern. The hull proportions are designed to provide stability, speed and maneuverability in Mediterranean waters.
Durability: More than 55 years after its construction, Pepita continues to sail, a testament to the quality of its original construction.
Pepita meets all these characteristics, making it an authentic Catalan llaüt, a boat that not only sails, but also preserves a centuries-old tradition.
The Fishing Era: 1969-1991 – Antonio García Reyes and the Fishing Tradition
The Purse Seine Boat in Roses
Pepita began its working life under the ownership of Antonio García Reyes, an experienced fishing skipper from Roses. The boat was registered with the Spanish Maritime Registry under List 3 for Fishing, classifying it as a professional fishing vessel dedicated to purse seining.
Purse seining requires agile and sturdy vessels, capable of sailing in boat formations to surround schools of fish. Roses, with its historic port and centuries-old fishing tradition, was the perfect home port for Pepita during these first two decades.
During these years, Pepita participated in the daily life of the port of Roses, witnessing the transformation of the Costa Brava. The boat was part of the fleet that fed the region, catching sardines, anchovies, mackerel and other fish that supplied local markets.
The Transformation: 1991-1992 – From Work to Leisure
The List Change and Sale to Jordi Vila
In 1991, Pepita experienced its first major life change. The boat was reclassified from List 3 Fishing to List 2 Cruise Passenger, marking the end of its era as a working boat and the beginning of its life as a leisure and tourism vessel.
In 1992, Pepita was sold to Jordi Vila Pares, the founder of Don Pancho Roses. Jordi Vila saw in Pepita not just a boat, but an opportunity to preserve the maritime tradition while adapting it to new experiential tourism needs.
The Don Pancho Era: 1992-2003 – Sailing Through Tourism
Pepita on the Tourist Circuit
For over a decade, Pepita sailed under the Don Pancho Roses flag, taking tourists from around the world to discover the wonders of the Catalan Mediterranean.
Under Jordi Vila's leadership, Pepita was part of the transformation of Roses from a traditional fishing port to a top-tier tourist destination.
The Modernization: 2001
Refit and Technical Upgrades
In 2001, Pepita underwent a major refit that included the installation of a Renault Marine Couach 160 HP auxiliary engine.
The auxiliary engine did not replace the main engine, but helped improve maneuvering.
The Inheritance: 2003-2021 – Tomasa Carmen Hornos
Continuity
In 2003, following the death of Jordi Vila, Pepita was inherited by Carmen Hornos, who recognized the boat's historical and operational value and kept it in service.
Change of Hands: 2021 – Toward New Horizons
Sale to a Diving Company
In 2021, Pepita was sold to a company specializing in scuba diving that operated in Roses. This change marked a new chapter, with the vessel being used as a platform for diving activities in Tarragona.
The Return Home: 2024 – Bràvola and a New Life
Pepita Returns to Her Roots
In 2024, Bràvola Boutique Charter acquired Pepita, marking the beginning of a new chapter. More than a simple commercial transaction, this purchase represents a return to Pepita's roots on the Costa Brava.
Bràvola recognized in Pepita not just a historic boat, but a living symbol of the region's maritime tradition.
From Fishing to Leisure: A New Mission
Under Bravola's management, Pepita has been restored and prepared to offer private charter experiences for groups of up to 30 people.
- Sailing to the Medes Islands – Natural Park Exploration
- Snorkeling tours – Marine life discovery
- Gastronomic experiences – Paella, fideuá and oyster tastings
- Private events – Weddings, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Showcooking – Live Catalan dish preparation
The Importance of Preserving Tradition
One Boat, Many Stories
Pepita is more than a boat; it is a living archive of the Costa Brava's history. Every wooden rib, every rivet, every mark of time tells a story of work, tradition, transformation and resilience.
Preserving boats like Pepita is crucial to keeping the memory of Catalan maritime tradition alive.
Sustainability and Heritage Respect
Bràvola is committed to keeping Pepita in optimal condition, ensuring the boat continues to sail for many decades to come.
Conclusion: Sail with History
When you step aboard Pepita, you're not just boarding a boat; you're participating in a story that spans more than 55 years of Mediterranean sailing.
Today, Pepita invites you to be part of her story. Sail with us aboard this classic wooden llaüt, experience the beauty of the Mediterranean, and discover why boats like Pepita are living treasures that deserve to be preserved and celebrated.