In Portugal, the Royal Family and the aristocracy have always maintained a close relationship with nautical activities. King Luís began his career as a naval officer. However, the premature death of his brother, King Pedro V, forced him to abandon his naval career and become king of Portugal. His son, King Carlos, was also an exceptional sailor, and is considered the founder of Portuguese oceanography.
Moreover, most of the longest trips were made by sea. The sea was the preferred means for transporting people and goods essential to everyday life. Foreign embassies arrived and departed by sea. People of higher social status had to be carried in vessels fitting of their status.
Fortunately some of the most luxurious vessels that belonged to royal family reached our days and are now exhibited in the Museum’s Barge Pavilion, which was specially designed to accommodate them. Some of the other vessels exhibited in this pavilion participated in regattas with excellent results.