The Juan Sebastián de Elcano is the third largest “Tall Ship” in the world and was launched on March 5, 1927. She is a four-mast topsail, steel-hulled barquentine and the official training ship for the Royal Spanish Navy. She is entrusted with the formation and training of the Spanish Naval Midshipmen.
Fiesta Pensacola and Maria Davis, Honorary Vice Consul to Spain, are pleased to announce that the Juan Sebastián de Elcano will visit Pensacola March 31-April 5, 2019.
The Juan Sebastián de Elcano is the third largest “Tall Ship” in the world and was launched on March 5, 1927. She is a four-mast topsail, steel-hulled barquentine and the official training ship for the Royal Spanish Navy. She is entrusted with the formation and training of the Spanish Naval Midshipmen.
Since her commissioning in August of 1928, Elcano has sailed more than two million nautical miles through all the seas of the world. Of the 90 cruises she has completed, 10 of them have been around the world. Considered to be a “floating embassy,” her presence in foreign countries and ports contributes considerably to the Spanish foreign policy.
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Elcano Captain Ignacio Paz Garcia of Ferrol, La Coruña, Spain and crew will sail into Pensacola Sunday, March 31 at 9 a.m. to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the Magellan – Elcano Expedition, which was the first circumnavigation of the globe. This expedition ended under the leadership of Ferdinand Magellan’s captain, Spanish Sailor Juan Sebastian de Elcano.
The Juan Sebastián de Elcano has visited Pensacola seven other times. The first was in 1959 during Pensacola’s 400th Anniversary.
Mrs. Davis, who is also a chairman of the Elcano Committee, was responsible for the Elcano’s return to Pensacola six more times; in 1981 for the Galvez Celebration, then again in 1984, 1995, 1998, 2009 for Pensacola’s 450th Anniversary and 2015.
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The ship will be docked at NAS Pensacola, and free public tours will be offered Sunday, March 31 from 3p.m. – 6:30p.m., Tuesday, April 2 from 1p.m. – 6 :30p.m., Wednesday, April 3 from 1p.m. – 6:30p.m., Thursday, April 4 from 3p.m. – 6:30p.m. (tour dates and times subject to change).
In order to visit the Elcano, patrons will need to enter the base through the back gate. All visitors will need to show their driver’s license and inform the gate they are touring the Elcano. Please be aware that there may be long lines.
Serving as committee co-chairpersons are Mrs. Davis and Collier Merrill. Committee members include Eric Buer, Terry Burt, Lipo Davis, Adelene Lovelace, Dan McCort, Bridget Middleton and Chris Middleton.
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