The Italian Navy’s training ship Palinuro will be calling at Alicante from 28 August until 3 September.
The visit is part of its Western Mediterranean tour following the end of its 61st Training Cruise. The schooner will tie up at Pier 14 and open its gangway to the public for three days of visits.
A taste of Palinuro history
The vessel is used to train students from the “Francesco Morosini” Naval College in Venice and from the Basic School for Non-Commissioned Officers in Taranto. This stop in Alicante follows a departure from Palermo, and before heading back to Italy the Palinuro will pay one last international visit to Mahón in Menorca.
Built in 1934 at the Dubigeon shipyard in Nantes, the ship was originally called Commander Louis Richard. The Italian Navy bought it in 1950 and converted it into a training ship, which it has remained ever since.
The Palinuro stretches to about 70 metres in length and is rigged as a three-masted schooner. The foremast carries square sails, while the main and mizzen masts are fitted with fore-and-aft sails. A bowsprit juts out at the front, carrying jibs. Altogether, the ship sets 15 sails covering about 1,000 square metres, which makes it both highly manoeuvrable and rather impressive to watch under full canvas.
Jump aboard for free
While in Alicante, visitors will be able to climb aboard free of charge on 31 August, 1 September and 2 September. Opening times are in the morning from 10:00 to 12:00, with afternoon access from 15:00 to 19:00 on all but the middle day.
Those stepping aboard can walk part of the deck, get a sense of the ship’s long history, and discover what life is like for the crew who live and train on board.
