The Ship’s Figurehead: Raquel of Brisa Elegante

A maritime tradition sailing through history

Tucked beneath the prow of Brisa Elegante, you’ll find a beautiful and meaningful detail many guests overlook at first glance - our ship’s figurehead, Raquel.

Raquel is hand-carved from wood and was created by a friend of the vessel’s original owner as a special gift. She celebrates a maritime tradition that dates back nearly 2,000 years. For centuries, sailors believed a ship’s figurehead embodied the spirit of the vessel itself, watching over the crew and passengers, protecting them from heavy seas, and guiding them safely through their journey.

Today, Raquel continues that tradition as she leads Brisa Elegante along the stunning Pacific coastline of Costa Rica.

The Meaning of a Ship’s Figurehead

The tradition of placing a figurehead on the bow of a ship can be traced back to ancient seafaring cultures such as the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Romans.

Early ships often carried carved animals, warriors, or mythological figures at the prow. Sailors believed these carvings held protective powers, helping ward off bad luck, storms, and dangerous spirits of the sea.

During the great age of wooden sailing ships between the 17th and 19th centuries, figureheads became increasingly elaborate works of art. Many vessels featured carved female figures symbolizing protection, strength, and the guiding spirit of the ship.

Why Many Ship Figureheads Were Women

Maritime history holds an interesting contradiction. For centuries, sailors believed that women on board ships could bring bad luck. Yet the bow of many vessels proudly displayed a female figurehead.

These figures often had flowing hair and sometimes appeared bare-chested. Sailors believed the female form would appease the sea gods and even “shame” the ocean into calming its waves, ensuring a safer voyage.

While the superstition may seem unusual today, the tradition reflects the deep respect sailors had for the unpredictable power of the sea.

Raquel: Guardian of Brisa Elegante

Our figurehead Raquel carries forward this centuries-old maritime tradition. Positioned beneath the prow of Brisa Elegante, she symbolizes the spirit of the ship and watches over every journey along Costa Rica’s spectacular coastline.

While modern navigation relies on technology rather than superstition, traditions like the ship’s figurehead connect us to the long history of sailing and the mariners who came before us.

So the next time you step aboard Brisa Elegante, take a moment to look toward the bow. There you’ll see Raquel quietly leading the way - a timeless guardian of the sea and protector of every voyage.

Experience Maritime History on Brisa Elegante

Sailing aboard Brisa Elegante is more than just a cruise - it’s a chance to experience the traditions of classic wooden sailing ships while exploring the beautiful waters of Costa Rica.

From handcrafted details like our ship’s figurehead to relaxing sunset sails and coastal wildlife, every journey connects guests to the spirit of the sea.

⚓ Join us aboard and discover the story behind Raquel and the centuries-old tradition of the ship figurehead.