The brigantine-schooner Juan Sebastián de Elcano will dock at the port of Cádiz this Friday, concluding a journey of more than six months that took it through eleven cities in eight countries, traversing the Caribbean and making stops in several ports in the United States. During its time in the USA, the ship celebrated the 250th anniversary of its Independence.
This year, the ship arrives with its crew and the midshipmen of the promotion on board, adding special significance to its return, as it did not stop in Marín, the usual destination for future officers. After participating in a large naval parade in New York on July 4th, the Elcano sailed directly across the Atlantic to its home port in Cádiz.
The Cádiz con Elcano Association has encouraged citizens to participate in the reception, asking boat owners to decorate their vessels and sail out into the Bay to escort the ship. Residents are also encouraged to decorate balconies with flags and create a festive atmosphere at the pier.
The ship is scheduled to anchor in the Bay of Cádiz on the night of Thursday, July 30th. On Friday, the entry maneuver will begin at ten in the morning, with the official reception ceremony at the pier at eleven, where embraces between the ship's crew and their families are expected.
As part of the traditional welcome, the Naval Command of Cádiz and the Corporation of Pilots of Cádiz will embark the image of the Galeona on the pilot boat Gades. They will sail to the vicinity of Bajo de las Puercas to meet the school ship. Upon crossing paths, the Elcano will fire two salutes to the Galeona, a tradition observed with every entry or exit from the bay.
On this occasion, no open house events are planned. In the early afternoon (4:00 PM), the ship will depart for its base in San Fernando, at the La Carraca base, to prepare for its next training cruise, the first for its centenary celebration, scheduled to depart on January 10, 2027.
During the voyage now concluding, the brigantine-schooner toured the Caribbean, with stops in Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Santo Domingo, Veracruz (Mexico), Puerto Limón (Costa Rica), and the island of Curaçao. Subsequently, it participated in the 'Sail 250' regatta in the USA, visiting Galveston, Norfolk, Baltimore, and New York, where it took part in the July 4th celebrations.
