The magnificent Spanish Navy training ship, ‘Juan Sebastian de Elcano’, was the venue by the Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin to host the trade and media during her visit to Dublin port. She was built in Cadiz in 1927 and cost €49,220, a princely sum in those days.
With a total crew of 260 all ranks, she is without a doubt one of the finest examples of a four-masted top sail schooner afloat, and was paying a return visit to Dublin after a 15-year gap.
The ship’s visit was organised by the urbane director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Dublin, Gonzalo Ceballos, and his staff. The guests had a highly informative guided tour of the vessel followed by some tapas and fine Spanish wine. A most enjoyable event on a fine summer’s evening in Dublin Port.
Marcus Connaughton was onboard to cover the ship’s visit for the RTE maritime programmme Seascapes, which is always a most interesting listen on the varied aspects of life on our island nation.
