The famous training ship of the Spanish Navy, Juan Sebastián Elcano, is already off the coast of Lima.
As we have already reported here at RoyalFamily.News, on board is Princess Leonor, heiress to the Spanish throne, who is actively participating in this voyage as part of her demanding military training.
Princess Leonor arrives in Peru
The ship will remain at anchor until tomorrow, when it will finally dock at the port of El Callao, where it is awaited with great expectation.
And it is not for less, since the passage of the Princess of Asturias by Peru has captured the local attention, both for the historical symbolism and the strong cultural ties between the two countries.
As the Elcano approached the peninsula of La Punta, a 21-gun salute was fired as a formal greeting. From land, the Peruvian Naval School responded with another salute, as part of a maritime protocol that dates back to the 16th century. It is a respectful way of saying “we come in peace”.
Half way around the continent
This is already the fourth country the ship has visited since it left Cadiz on January 11.
Before reaching Peru, the Elcano stopped in Salvador de Bahía (Brazil), Montevideo (Uruguay) and crossed the always challenging Strait of Magellan, a route that demanded the maximum from the crew due to the intense wind, the strong currents and the narrow passages between islands. She then passed through Punta Arenas and Valparaíso (Chile).
Leonor, in the midst of the naval rhythm
The Spanish Royal Household recently released new images of the princess on board, just when the halfway point of the voyage was reached.
In total, there were ten photos and a video showing her daily routine with the 76 students (67 boys and 9 girls) who are training on the ship.
During this period, the cadets spend 75% of their time at sea, while the rest is spent on activities in port, including cultural, social and military events.
What comes next?
After its passage through El Callao, the Elcano plans to continue its journey to Panama City, Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta in Colombia, as well as Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
The voyage will end in New York, from where the ship will cross the Atlantic again to return to Spain in July.