Douro Valley, Portugal — Pipadouro, the leading reference in Luxury River Travel in Portugal, proudly introduces Friendship I, an extraordinary vessel with royal military origins, masterfully reimagined to offer discerning guests a journey of heritage, elegance, and exclusivity on the serene waters of the Douro River.
Originally commissioned in 1957 by the British Royal Navy and built at the historic E.F. Elkins shipyard in Christchurch, southern England, Friendship I was designed to transport Royal Navy Admirals to sea-bound warships. This distinguished mission is echoed in every detail of the vessel, including the two original General Motors engines of 308 HP, still in operation today — an engineering marvel first designed for armored vehicles (tanks) used during World War II. This remarkable feature underscores the yacht’s resilience and historic pedigree.
After decades in naval service and a brief chapter in private Italian ownership, the yacht found new purpose when Gonçalo Correia dos Santos, founder of Pipadouro, acquired it in the Algarve. With vision and care, he pioneered a new concept: Luxury River Tourism in the Douro Valley, breathing new life into this noble vessel.
A Floating Tribute to British Naval Grandeur
“We know that the Royal Navy commissioned the construction of two identical vessels for the transport of its Admirals between the southern coast of England and the warships offshore. One of them is Friendship I, which was originally called Lismore, — a truly unique vessel on a global scale. We’ve been trying to trace the whereabouts of the second, but without success. We don’t even know if it’s still afloat,” says Ana Clara Silva, Pipadouro’s Director of Operations.
Friendship I remains a rare masterpiece — a 66-foot-long Gentleman’s Wooden Yacht that blends timeless craftsmanship with refined comfort. It still carries the original crystal Port wine decanter, a symbol of the vessel’s distinguished past. Its transformation into a luxury cruiser was guided by respect for its origins and an uncompromising commitment to authenticity.
Crafted with a double hull of Honduran mahogany, riveted in copper, the yacht was built for speed, safety, and autonomy — all essential qualities for naval missions of the time. Today, it remains true to those roots, offering an experience that is as technically robust as it is aesthetically sublime. Adorned with polished mahogany, gleaming brass, and curated period details, Friendship I is not merely a boat — it is a floating tribute to history, elegance, and the enduring spirit of exploration.
Onboard, guests will find all the comforts of a private residence:
- Two elegantly appointed suites
- Two bathrooms
- A welcoming living room
- A fully equipped kitchen
Tailored Experiences for the Truly Discerning
Pipadouro’s Friendship I offers private, bespoke experiences along one of the world’s most enchanting rivers, travelling between Porto and Barca d’Alva. Programs such as A Day in the Douro, Vintage Lunch, Charming Dinner, Wine with a View, or How Vintage Can You Go, departing from Pinhão, are designed for guests seeking intimacy, authenticity, and sophistication.
Whether for a romantic escape, a celebration with friends, or a high-level corporate retreat, every voyage is meticulously tailored. Guests enjoy white-glove service, gourmet meals by an à la carte chef, curated regional wines, and optional extras such as live music, massages, babysitting, private drivers, helicopter transfers, photographers, and certified guides — all from the comfort of a vintage yacht with the soul of a bygone era.
Set against the backdrop of the Douro Valley, the oldest Demarcated and Regulated Wine Region in the world (established in 1756), every journey is immersed in centuries of viticultural heritage, where tradition, terroir, and timeless beauty converge to create an atmosphere unlike any other.
Aboard Friendship I, guests are invited to savor the finest Douro wines while cruising past the very vineyards and terraced hillsides where these exceptional wines are born. The experience is further enriched with tastings of premium olive oil and other exquisite regional delicacies — a true celebration of the Douro’s rich flavors and timeless landscapes.
International Acclaim for Innovation in Wine Tourism
Pipadouro recently earned international recognition at the 2025 Best of Wine Tourism Awards – People’s Choice, promoted by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network. From a pool of 83 regional winners, Pipadouro stood out worldwide in the Innovative Experiences category — a testament to its pioneering spirit, authentic approach, and passion-driven service.
“The award reflects the emotional connection our guests have with what we do,” says Ana Clara Silva, Pipadouro’s Director of Operations. “It is an honor to be recognized by the very people who have experienced and valued our purpose: crafting moments of true luxury and cultural immersion.”
A Boutique Hotel on Water
Described as a boutique hotel on water, Friendship I’s experience is built on the foundations of discreet luxury, slow travel, and deep regional connection. With a capacity limited to 16 passengers, preserving privacy and comfort, every journey aboard the vessel is a space for meaningful conversations, shared toasts, and the tranquil rhythm of the Douro Valley.
With over 2,000 international guests hosted annually and growing demand from luxury travelers worldwide, Pipadouro continues to set the standard for premium river wine tourism — always with elegance, authenticity, and the unmistakable charm of Friendship I.
Shareholder Structure
Pipadouro’s shareholder group includes a distinguished blend of visionaries and industry leaders:
Gonçalo Correia dos Santos (Founding Partner),
Tomás Roquette (Quinta do Crasto),
Pedro Silva Reis (Real Companhia Velha), and
Fernando Pereira (GLD, an investment group).
Their combined expertise, passion for the Douro, and commitment to excellence ensure Pipadouro remains at the forefront of luxury river tourism.