Rare chance to explore a magnificent sailing ship for free in Tenerife

Residents and holidaymakers in Tenerife have a chance to step aboard a Colombian naval sailing ship for free this week, as the ARC Gloria visits Santa Cruz for the first time in nine years.

The 76-metre vessel arrived at the port yesterday, (Tuesday),  and will remain at the Dársena de Los Llanos until Friday 6th November.

Visitors can go aboard the three-masted sailing ship, which is used to train future officers of the Colombian Navy and represents the country at ports around the world.

When can you visit?

Entry is free, with the following visiting hours:

• Wednesday 4th November: 9:00am to 4:00pm
• Thursday 5th November: 9:00am to 10:00pm
• Friday 6th November: 9:00am to 4:00pm

The ship is berthed at the Dársena de Los Llanos in the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

A ship with a Spanish connection

Although the ARC Gloria sails under the Colombian flag, it was built in Bilbao, in northern Spain, and began service in 1968. Its first voyage took it from Ferrol to Cartagena de Indias in Colombia.

Almost 60 years later, the vessel continues to give naval cadets practical experience of life at sea, including navigation and sailing manoeuvres.

The ship’s current training voyage began in Cartagena de Indias in April with 67 cadets aboard. Since then, it has visited ports in the Americas, Europe and Africa.

Tenerife is its final international stop before it crosses the Atlantic back to Colombia, where it is scheduled to arrive on 1st December.