Initial days at sea, marked by “an exceptional wind” and cruising “almost” continually.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 17th January (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Training Ship ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’, which initiated its XCVII Instruction Cruise for midshipmen from Cádiz on 11th January, with a total of 76 onboard, including Princess Leonor, arrived this Friday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
With cannon fire and the scent of gunpowder, the Gesta of 25th July in Santa Cruz de Tenerife heralded the ship’s imminent arrival, welcoming the city with military marches and Spanish pasodobles before docking at 9:00 a.m.
Displaying an attentive and assured demeanour, the 76 midshipmen arrived at the Los Llanos dock aboard ‘trams’.
There, alongside notables from the Deed of 25th July in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, citizens eagerly awaited their arrival, seemingly hopeful until the last moment to capture Princess Leonor on camera, whom they greeted with cheers and applause, despite the extensive security presence.
“Long live Spain, Long live the King, Long live Tenerife,” shouted the Deed of 25th July just before the disembarkation of ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’.
In comments to the press, the ship’s captain, Luis Carreras-Presas, reflected on the initial days at sea, accompanied by “an exceptional wind” that has enabled sailing “virtually” non-stop.
“For many centuries, Spanish mariners have traversed these islands, the natural waypoint before crossing the ocean and reaching America, which is precisely what we are undertaking on this voyage,” stated Carreras-Presas.
CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AT EACH PORT
He further emphasised that this initial leg is “very significant”, having successfully completed the midshipmen’s adaptation to ship life in Cádiz, alongside new crew members.
Throughout their various stops during this expedition, the crew will engage in cultural, professional and social activities, supplemented by leisure events for their enjoyment.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, they are scheduled to visit significant sites relevant to their training, such as the Almeyda Military Museum and the Palace of the General Captaincy of the Canary Islands.
“We accommodate requests for visits to museums, social clubs, military establishments, naval academies or operational units, activities designed to foster personal development and equip them with the fundamentals of naval diplomacy during port visits,” the ship’s captain clarified.
Despite the professional and recreational offerings, ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ remains active, with daily watch routines ensuring the ship’s operations, services, and security are maintained.
This marks the 62nd visit of this vessel to Santa Cruz, where, according to the captain, “we are always exceptionally welcomed”, allowing them to recover “spirit and energy”, as well as the “affection” of the local populace.
Following their farewell to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Navy Training Ship ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ will next dock at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Arsenal on 21st January.
Thereafter, they will continue their journey until returning to Cádiz on 21st July, following a stopover at the Naval Military School of Marín from 14th to 17th July, with the 76 midshipmen from the 427 promotions of the general corps and 157 marine infantry.
10 STOPS, 8 OF THEM ABROAD
During this voyage, the vessel has two primary missions: comprehensive training of midshipmen, covering naval skills, military protocols, social dynamics, and personal development, as part of the third year of their five-year training at the Naval Military School.
Additionally, it provides support for the country’s international initiatives at the ports it visits.
The Training Cruise encompasses a total of 10 stops, 8 of which are international, and after departing from Cádiz, the ship will continue to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Salvador de Bahía (Brazil), Montevideo (Uruguay), Punta Arenas, and Valparaíso (Chile).
LIFE ABOARD THE SHIP
The training ship accommodates 240 individuals, slightly over 30 of whom are women, as reported by the captain, who reminded that San Sebastián de Elcano will welcome public visits in the days leading up to its departure for Gran Canaria.
Specifically, as informed by the Navy, the visits are scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and again from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
One of the 76 midshipmen, Jaime Montaner, shared with the media his daily routine which commences at 7 a.m., alternating between classes and manoeuvres, culminating in free time as the day winds down.
Regarding the experience, he noted how the journey has “astonished” the cohort, as they had not anticipated it to be “as distinct from other types of vessels, since sailing under sail presents a completely different and remarkable experience.”
Aboard the ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’, they conveyed how “demanding” maritime work can be, necessitating a “24/7” commitment, with the ship “never able to rest”.
Despite focusing on traditional navigation methods, the ship integrates modern technologies, enhancing not just technical aspects like positioning, but also facilitating daily contact with their families.
