The outcomes of the sailing trips methodically pursued by Prince Henry’s
(1394-1460) sailors over the decades, as well as the improvement of the
geographical and scientific knowledge which were made possible by such trips
have turned into some of the greatest deeds in the History on Humankind. The
Portuguese Navy has adopted Prince Henry’s motto – Talant de bien faire (Talent
to make good) – which exhorts to the personal effort towards perfection.
Even today, in the Naval Academy, the spirit and principles nurtured by
Prince Henry are alive, and they are continually invoked during the military
and technical instruction of the Navy Officers. For that reason, the motto
Talant de Bien Faire is also present in this Coat of Arms.
