The training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano, one of the most iconic ships of the Spanish Navy, made a stop in Barcelona from September 7 to 14, in the framework of the America’s Cup. During this period, the ship was available for public visits between September 11 and 13. However, the great expectation to meet the ship was evident when the free tickets that were made available to the public were sold out in just a few hours. This was reported by the ship’s commander, Luis Carreras-Presas, to local media.
Juan Sebastián Elcano ship in Barcelona
The presence of the Juan Sebastián Elcano in Barcelona reinforces the historical ties between the Navy and the city. Since 1963, the Catalan capital has been a point of reference for the Navy, which actively participates in the International Boat Show and always receives its vessels with enthusiasm. In fact, this latest visit was not the ship’s first to Barcelona. In fact, the ship had already visited Barcelona on nine other occasions. The first visit was made almost a hundred years ago, in 1930. Its last stop in the city before this year was in 2022, when it also sold out in a very short time.
The Juan Sebastián Elcano, in service since 1928, has sailed more than 1,850,000 nautical miles in 15,300 voyages. In its long history, it has visited 205 ports in 73 countries. This year, the Navy’s commitment to Barcelona will continue with the next visit of the ship Juan Carlos I, scheduled for October, underlining the importance of the city for the Navy.
Beloved ship
The ship’s visit coincided with the celebrations of the National Day of Catalonia. According to Commander Carreras-Presas, the Juan Sebastián Elcano is a much loved ship not only in Spain, but in all the places it visits. The captain pointed out that the atmosphere during visits to the ship is “impressive”. This in the sense that people come to the visits with great illusion and enthusiasm. On the other hand, for the crew, receiving so many people with that level of motivation is very gratifying and reinforces their work, he said.
The purpose of the ship’s visit was to support the city of Barcelona and give greater visibility to the America’s Cup, one of the most important nautical events in the world. According to Carreras-Presas, this type of action allows for closer ties between the Navy and the city, fostering a cultural exchange and promoting the values of maritime training.
Heart of Spanish naval training
The Juan Sebastián Elcano is much more than an exhibition ship; it is the heart of Spanish naval training. Its role as a training ship has been key in the preparation of generations of sailors. Training aboard the ship fosters not only technical skills, but also values such as teamwork. Also leadership and decision making in pressure situations. Sailing, as a key discipline in the preparation of future seafarers, remains an essential element in the education of Navy students. The ship participates in a six-month instructional cruise, where students have the opportunity to learn and perfect their sailing skills.
Of the 176 ships that form part of the Spanish Navy, the Juan Sebastián Elcano is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic. Its long trajectory and its role as a training ship have made it a representative figure of the Navy. But it is also a representative figure of the Spanish maritime tradition. Despite having been built almost a century ago, the Juan Sebastián Elcano continues to sail with the same purpose for which it was designed. That is, to train future Navy officers in the arts of sailing and to keep maritime traditions alive.
The combination of history, modernity and its educational role has made this ship a symbol of national pride, admired both inside and outside Spain.
Image courtesy of https://ejercito.defensa.gob.es, all rights reserved.
