Spanish Tall Ship "Elcano" to Dock in Pensacola
Elcano Society of Pensacola to Welcome the Spanish Navy Training Ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano May 29 -June 2 (Pensacola, FL) The City of Pensacola and the “Elcano Society” proudly announce the return of the Spanish Navy training tall ship – Juan Sebastian de Elcano. The ship will dock at the Port of Pensacola – Commendencia Street Slip from May 29 – June 3. This visit will coincide with Fiesta Pensacola festivities to include free public ship tours. Philip “Lipo” Davis, the Honorary Consul from Spain in Pensacola having succeeded the position from his Mother Dame Maria Davis will spearhead the return of the Elcano to Pensacola. The World-Famous JS de Elcano has been repeatedly visiting Pensacola since 1959 to celebrate our city’s rich Spanish history. “It is our pleasure to welcome the Elcano back for her 9th visit to Pensacola,” comments Lipo Davis. Commanded by Captain Manuel García Ruiz, the Elcano is a four-masted top sail schooner and is one of the oldest tall ships sailing today. Built in 1927, the Elcano was named after the Spanish explorer who completed Ferdinand Magellan’s first-ever circumnavigation of the earth from 1519 to 1522. At 370 feet long, she is the third-largest tall ship in the world. The hull is made of iron and there are four masts (called Blanca, Almansa, Asturias and Nautilus, named after other Navy training ships, that preceded the Elcano). To date the Elcano has completed nearly 100 training cruises, including ten full circumnavigations of the globe. As a training ship, the Elcano’s main mission is to cultivate seamanship among the future officers of the Spanish Navy: The Midshipmen. The purpose of the training cruise on board the Elcano is to enhance and broaden Midshipmen education and nautical training. Elcano’s presence in foreign ports contributes to Spain’s foreign policy and develops Midshipmen leadership qualities both at sea and on land. In its role of supporting the Sea Services, “The entire Council of the Pensacola Navy League is honored to welcome Captain Manuel García Ruiz, Commanding Officer of the Juan Sebastian de Elcano, his officers and crew back to Pensacola,” comments Mark Curley, President of the Pensacola Navy League. “We would also like to thank all the sponsors and the efforts of Dan McCort, Pensacola Navy League Past President, for his assistance in coordinating the visit. Many exciting events are planned for the Elcano Officers and Crew. The goal is for the Crew to engage with and learn more about our city, as we learn more about our city’s Spanish influence.” The Elcano Society would specifically like to recognize the event’s Bronze sponsors which include Crown Capital, Suze and Brian Finger, Teri Levin, and Cat Country 98.7 FM. Other sponsors include: The Port of Pensacola, Escambia County Board of Commissioners, City of Pensacola, the Pensacola Navy League, Seville Quarter, Pensacola Yacht Club, the Naval Aviation Museum, and Fiesta Pensacola. Without community support, this event would not be possible. Schedule of Ship Events & Public Tours: The Schedule of Events below are subject to change pending weather and other conditions. Updates will be posted on the Pensacola Navy League website at www.pensacolanavyleague.org. as they are received. Monday, May 29th - Elcano arrives at the Commendencia Street Slip at Port of Pensacola at 9:00 a.m. 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Welcome at the Port of Pensacola 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Public Tours Tuesday, May 30th – Public Tours: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 31st – Public Tours: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1st – Public Tours: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, June 2nd – Public Tours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, June 3rd – Ship Departure from The Port of Pensacola - No public tours. Visitors must be able to climb stairs. Strollers will not be permitted on the ship. Downtown parking is nearby with usual parking fees. There are no public restrooms aboard the Elcano. To learn more about the Elcano Visit and Public Tours, visit the Upcoming Events Page at www.pensacolanavyleague.org.
Date and Time
Monday May 29, 2023 Saturday Jun 3, 2023
May 29 - June 3, 2023
Location
Downtown Pensacola; Commendencia Street Slip at Port of Pensacola
Fees/Admission
Free Public Tours
Website
Contact Information
Please get details from the Fiesta Pensacola office, the Elcano Society or information from pensacolanavyleague.org.