Dublin Port Company and the Embassy of Argentina in Dublin have welcomed one of the world’s largest tall ships, the 340-foot-long Libertad, which sailed into Dublin today (Friday 1 November) for a five-day visit to the capital.
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the Libertad is berthed at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay for the duration of her stay and is open to the public to visit, free of charge, tomorrow Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November from 11am to 4pm each day.
The Libertad is visiting Dublin as part of a 160-day voyage involving visits to 14 ports across 10 countries.
Having already stopped in Brazil, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium and most recently London, the Libertad will next sail to Boston in the United States, the island of Barbados, and Uruguay before returning to home port.
Led by Commanding Officer Captain Juan Carlos Romay, the Libertad is an official sail training vessel of the Argentinian Navy which travels around the world carrying a message of goodwill.
This will be the Libertad’s ninth visit to Irish waters since its maiden call in 1968. The ship subsequently visited the capital in 2012 as part of the Tall Ships festival and again in 2016 as part of a “bicentennial journey” to mark 200 years of Argentinian independence.
Members of the public visiting the ship this weekend will be able to get a closer insight into life on board for the 289-strong crew and inspect its fine craftsmanship.
Argentina’s Ambassador to Ireland Laura Bernal greets the crew of the Libertad
Commenting on the visit, Ambassador of Argentina to Ireland, Laura Bernal, said: “For more than 70 years, Argentina and Ireland have enjoyed excellent diplomatic relations built on a shared sense of history and a mutual desire to strengthen our cultural, academic and trading ties.
“The arrival of the Libertad reminds us of the deep connection that exists between our two nations and symbolises the hand of friendship from Argentina to Ireland, and it is fantastic to begin another chapter of Argentinian-Irish relations.
“For most of the cadets on board, it will be their first visit to Ireland, which means it is a special opportunity to visit the birthplace of Admiral Brown and pay tribute to his service to Argentina and the Argentinian navy.”
Encouraging the public to visit over the weekend, Dublin Port chief executive Eamonn O’Reilly said: “The Libertad is a magnificent vessel and one of the finest tall ships at sea … Argentina’s naval history has deep roots in Ireland and the Libertad’s visit provides the public with a unique opportunity to learn more about this fascinating piece of history.”
Built in the Rio Santiago shipyards in Buenos Aires, the Libertad was launched in May 1956.
In 1966, it set a record that still stands for the fasting crossing of the North Atlanticm between Cape Race, Canada and the English Channel, using only sail propulsion — with a time of eight days and 12 hours.
