📋 Tender Overview
Despite the low temperatures and the characteristic winds of the region, thousands of Magellanic residents did not want to miss the opportunity to visit the Training Ship "Esmeralda", an authentic living historical piece of the Chilean Navy. On the final leg of its 68th training voyage, the unit docked in the capital of the southernmost region of the country where, in just two days of open visits, it gathered nearly 11 thousand people, establishing a new attendance record in the area.
The ship's commander, Captain Fernando Méndez, highlighted the significance of the days in Punta Arenas: "The truth is that we are speechless because of the affection that this city expressed to us. We know the hearts of the Magellanic people and how they live Chileanness in a special way, and I believe that the 'Esmeralda' reflects precisely that. It is a piece of Chile that represents us in a unique way in the world. On board we saw people of all ages, and emotion was evident in their eyes, especially in the youngest ones. On behalf of the crew, I want to thank the tremendous affection that they showed us during these two days."
A transversal affection
During the visits, a great diversity of attendees was observed. Entire families, seniors and children expressed their appreciation for the "White Lady" and naval traditions.
Ninoska Vargas, a graphic artist from Punta Arenas, commented after her first time on board: “I had never been on board before. I am very surprised by the durability of the boat, it is many years old and remains in excellent condition. I am shocked by how they have taken care of it, it is admirable.”
Valeska and Juan, together with their daughters Francisca and Emilia, returned to the “Esmeralda” six years after their first visit. “We had known the ‘Esmeralda’ when the girls were younger, and now we returned to compare the before and after,” Valeska said. Her daughter Francisca added: “We remember that experience very well, we even have several photos, so this time we wanted to recreate the moment. Although the wait was long and it was cold, the ‘Esmeralda’ is still very beautiful. We were impressed by the candles and the floor, which we thought was all made of wood.” Emilia, her sister, especially valued the possibility of sharing this experience as a family.
Karen and Carlos, accompanied by their two children, enjoyed the visit on one of the days. For Karen, it was an "extraordinary and entertaining" experience: "I didn't know it, but it's beautiful. I was impressed by the bridge, it's smaller than I imagined, and that second floor looks very interesting." Carlos highlighted the number of ropes and how his son enjoyed the experience: "We've wanted to bring him for a long time to see a boat, and it was perfect that the 'Esmeralda' was in Punta Arenas right at this time."
