The training vessel Juan Sebastián Elcano is unquestionably one of the most recognized ships within the Spanish State fleet. This is especially true in recent days, as Princess Leonor has boarded the vessel as part of her military training.
Juan Sebastián Elcano arrived on the morning of Friday, January 17 at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where it will remain until next Monday afternoon, at which point it will commence its journey to the next port of call: Gran Canaria.
The excitement surrounding the Royal Family’s presence has transformed the ship’s arrival into a significant event, and the fact that this visit coincides with a weekend has further sparked interest among the island’s residents in exploring this iconic vessel.
Indeed, whether or not the princess is on board, the ship typically organises tours of its interior during its docked periods, and Tenerife is no exception. While the midshipmen participate in a series of activities and excursions on land, locals will have the opportunity to tour the ship’s interior.
In response to the consistent demand and recognising the heightened interest in Juan Sebastián Elcano due to Princess Leonor’s presence, the ship will offer extended visiting hours over the next two days.
Specifically, public visits will be available on both Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This naval gem is docked at the Los Llanos Dock in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The stop in the Canary Islands
The training vessel Juan Sebastián de Elcano’s stopover in the Canary Islands marks its first port call in national waters after departing from the southern part of the peninsula last Saturday. During its stay in the capital of Tenerife, it will be docked from January 17 to 20, before planning to set sail in the afternoon towards Gran Canaria. This next phase in the Canary Islands will last until January 23, prior to the ship continuing its Atlantic voyage.
During its time in Tenerife, no official events are scheduled apart from a reception on board the Elcano, which will occur on Friday evening. This occasion, led by Captain Luis Carreras-Presas, will see the attendance of political figures, senior military officials, and several distinguished guests.
Princess Leonor, who is among the 76 midshipmen on this 183-day journey, has not been confirmed to participate in the reception. The Royal House aims to ensure that the heir to the throne is treated like the other trainees, minimising her involvement in most formal events organised at the ports the flagship of the Navy visits.
Elcano aims to visit a total of eight countries before returning to Spanish territory on July 7, when it is expected to arrive at the port of Gijón.
