Velas Sudamérica 2010

The navies of Chile and Argentina jointly organised Velas Sudamérica 2010 and this week the tall ships are in Darsena Norte, Buenos Aires.

All the ships are open to the public free of charge.

Aboard
Simon Bolivar from Venezuela.


My favourite, the Chilean
Esmeralda, viewed from the deck of Simon Bolivar.


A forest of spars and rigging. The Argentine
Libertad with the Brazilian Cisne Branco astern.


Libertad.


As the sun set all the ships, apart from
Cisne Branco and Sagres who left their ensigns flying, began ensign lowering ceremonies.

The Mexica
n Cuahtémoc.


Argentine navy band about to play their ensign down.


The Spanish
Juan Sebastian Elcano, a four masted barquentine and older sister ship to Esmeralda.


Esmeralda with Juan Sebastian Elcano astern. Esmeralda was originally intended to replace Juan Sebastian Elcano but due to financial problems in Spain she was sold to Chile part way through construction. Juan Sebastian Elcano was later restored. They are both magnificent ships.


Esmeralda from another angle.


Creative flaking of mooring lines aboard
Esmeralda.


Sagres and Cuahtémoc.


Strip lighting in the rigging aboard
Esmeralda.


Subtle up-lighting on
Juan Sebastian Elcano. Esmeralda is ahead of her. Sagres and Cuahtémoc in the distance with strung bulb lighting.


Simon Bolivar.


Cisne Branco.


Libertad.


Juan Sebastian Elcano.


Esmeralda.


Sagres.


Cuahtémoc.