Second Stop of the Spanish Navy Training Ship in Cape Verde

The Spanish Navy training ship arrived on September 21 in the capital of the Republic of Cape Verde, Praia, a city it visits for the second time. The capital is located on the Island of Santiago, one of the leeward islands, to the south of the archipelago. This stop is the third of the 88th Instruction Cruise, which has previously been in Lisbon and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Upon arrival, the Spanish ambassador, Caridad Batalla Junco, was received on board with the corresponding honors, signed the ship's book of honor, and, along with the commander, held a press conference on the deck of the brigantine.

During the stay in port, the training ship “Juan Sebastián de Elcano” received numerous visits, including several schools from the humblest neighborhoods of Praia. Additionally, the midshipmen participated in social and sports activities on the island, such as football and basketball matches with members of the Cape Verde Armed Forces, who also received training on board in firefighting, navigation, maneuvering, and meteorology.

The band of music from "Elcano" and the band of the Cape Verde Armed Forces offered a concert in a central square, where a batuca group also participated, much to the delight of the attendees. After leaving the city of Praia on September 24, the ship is sailing through the Atlantic Ocean towards the ports of Salvador de Bahia and Recife in Brazil. It is expected to arrive in Brazilian waters in mid-October.

Photo: Spanish Navy