Juan Sebastian de Elcano

A goodly vessel did I then espy Come like a giant from a haven broad; And lustily along the bay she strode, Her tackling rich, and of apparel high. From"With Ships the Sea was Sprinkled Far and Nigh"~~ William Wordsworth

Juan Sebastian de Elcano

This graceful and beautiful tall ship arrived in the Port of Pensacola as part of the 450th Anniversary celebration of the settlement of Pensacola. The Elcano sails under the flag of Spain, one of the Five Flags that have flown over Pensacola in her long history. The visit of the ship resonated with the people of this fine town and they came out in record numbers to see the ship and wait in long lines to board her. It was an amazing sight to see her sitting in our harbor for the four or five days she was here. George and I went out to see her on her last full day here, but the lines were long--a five hour wait. Not willing to stand in the sun for that long, we satisfied ourselves with admiring her from afar. A truly beautiful tall ship. Reminded me of all of those Parades of Tall Ships we saw come to Newport, RI and parade into Narragansett Bay.

Mast and Rigging. Seemed like it could touch the sky.

Ship's Maiden Head