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R.A. Roberto BENAVENTE.
The name “Esmeralda” is linked to the Chilean Naval History since 1818, year in which, under the command of Captain O’Brien, the Chilean Naval Forces fought and boarded the Spanish frigate “Esmeralda” resulting in the heroic death of Captain O’Brien on the deck in an attempt to capture the vessel. Once the Independence War had reached its end, the second “Esmeralda” was built in England. In 1865, under the command of Captain Juan Williams, this ship defended the sovereignty of the rising Republic of Peru, capturing with brinkmanship and courage the corvette “Covadonga”. This precipitated the retreat of the opponent Naval Forces. On 21th May 1879, together with the corvette “Covadonga” blocking the saltpeter port of Iquique, the vessel confronted the main body of Peruvian Naval Forces. After four hours of hard and bloody fight, the “Esmeralda” sank with its flag at the mast-head and its Captain Arturo Prat died becoming since then a National Hero in the Chilean History, the Navy School and a main ship of the Chilean Fleet had been named after its hero. The third ship that was given the name of “Esmeralda” was a cruiser purchased by Japan. This ship participated in the battle of Tsushima against the Russian Fleet. Years later, an antisurface cruiser and frigate borne the name of the “Esmeralda”, giving the latter its name to the current training ship of the Chilean Navy in 1954. This brigantine was the sixth “Esmeralda” that bears her name with proud in her taffrail. The Training Ship “Esmeralda”. In 1942, the Spaniard Navy ordered the construction of a sailing ship in order to replace the training ship “Sebastián de Elcano”, which was operative since 1929. However, due to various reasons, its construction remained incomplete, and in 1951, it was offered for sale to Chile. On 15th June of 1954, in Cadiz, the Training Ship “Esmeralda” was officially delivered to Chile. During these past 46 years, this ship has called at more than 300 ports, and is recognized by her outstanding participation as training ship and floating embassy, receiving on her deck the friendly visit of the most highest Head of States, diplomats, military chiefs, the media, and public in general.
The training of the future seamen on board the Training Ship “Esmeralda” is invaluable. The various events they must confront, the intense training, the elements’ inclemency, and the long seagoing passages, teach these seamen to respect rather than fear the sea. The inner and physical strength developed during these long voyages, prepares young seamen to accomplish their duties that they have sworn to their country and Navy. Characteristics The Esmeralda is a brigantine of four masts with square sails at the pawl and fore-and-aft sails at the after and forward main mast and mizzen mast. The height of masts is of 48,5 m, it has 29 sails and a sail area of 2.870 m2. Others characteristics are as follows:
The ESMERALDA rounded Cape Horn The training ship rounded CapeHorn under sail in seven times. Following, some details about these passages: a.-
XXII Training Trip b.-
XXX Training Trip c.-
XXXIII Training Trip d.-
XXXIX Training Trip e.-
XLI Training Trip f.-
XLIV Training Trip g.-
XLV Training Trip (See picture) Valparaíso, October 2000 |
