The European Maritime Heritage (EMH) is pleased to announce that the Asociación Española de Barcos de Época y Clásicos (AEBEC) has decided to affiliate with EMH, reinforcing the European network of organisations dedicated to preserving and promoting maritime heritage.

Founded to promote traditional nautical culture in Spain, AEBEC works to encourage the preservation, restoration, reconstruction and navigation of classic boats, as well as public interest in them. Within the association’s understanding, a classic boat includes vessels built before 1980 for leisure or sport — whether sailing or motor craft — constructed in traditional or moulded wood or in metal. The definition also extends to later prototypes and replicas built according to historical plans and using materials consistent with the pre-1980 period.

For AEBEC, joining EMH represents an opportunity to participate more actively in European discussions concerning the recognition and regulatory status of historic vessels. Leonardo García de Vincentiis, President of AEBEC, underlined that through this affiliation the association expects to contribute to future European initiatives concerning historic vessels and to help ensure that classic boats — privately preserved and maintained — continue to be recognised as a distinct and valuable part of maritime heritage.

Welcoming the decision, João Almeida, President of the Executive Board of EMH, noted that EMH was “delighted to welcome AEBEC to the EMH family”, adding that Spain has “a remarkable tradition of classic yachts and historic vessels, and the participation of AEBEC strengthens the collective voice of organisations working across Europe to preserve and operate maritime heritage and bring valuable expertise from the community of classic boat owners.”.

The decision to affiliate with EMH was recently approved by the Board of AEBEC and will be submitted for formal confirmation by the association’s General Assembly to be held in Amsterdam on 21 March 2026.