📋 Tender Overview
More than 200 people braved the inclement wind and low temperatures at the Muelle Prat in Punta Arenas to welcome the training ship “Esmeralda” on September 17. From 08:30 hours, its “white silhouette” began to be seen in the bay, ending its docking maneuvers at 09:20 hours.
The welcome atmosphere was particularly emotional, thanks to the presence of relatives of the crew on the dock, who joined in with the chords of the Flagship Band of the Third Naval Zone. After the call, one of the most significant moments took place: the reunion between sailors and their loved ones, also marked by the traditional cueca in honour of the “White Lady”.
A legacy of history and naval training
This year, the “Esmeralda” commemorates 70 years of service in the Chilean Navy. During this period, it has sailed more than 1,400,000 nautical miles, the equivalent of 58 trips around the world, and has made 788 official visits to international ports, representing the best of the Chilean Navy and culture in every port it calls at.
“This ship is not only a symbol of our Navy, but also of the legacy of Arturo Prat and his crew, whose spirit we try to bring to every corner of the world,” said Captain Fernando Méndez, Commander of the Training Ship. Since it was commissioned, almost 11,000 students have been trained on board, making the “Esmeralda” one of the most important floating academies worldwide.
On this occasion, the ship completed a six-month tour that included 9 countries in America and Europe, with a crew of 283 sailors, of which 13% are women.
The Officer also highlighted the recent crossing of Cape Horn, a challenge known for its extreme weather conditions: “Crossing Cape Horn by sail is a unique experience, and we did it following the tradition of generations of sailors who navigated these waters before us.”
