On Thursday, April 17th, after twelve days of sailing from Valparaíso, the Esmeralda appeared on the horizon of Hanga Roa. It was the first landfall of its 69th Training Voyage, a six-month voyage across the Pacific Ocean that will take the ship to eight international ports.
By Consuelo Martínez
The ocean dawned calm on Thursday, April 17th. On the horizon, with its sails taut in the wind, the classic silhouette of the Esmeralda emerged. The so-called White Lady made the first landfall call of its 69th Training Voyage in Hanga Roa and made a statement: tourists and locals alike stopped along the coastline to photograph its classic silhouette on the horizon.
From the Molo de Abrigo in Valparaíso, they sat sail on April 5th with 267 people on board: midshipmen, sailors, officers, and representatives of foreign navies. Twelve days of voyage, one of the most technical voyages: crossing the vast Pacific Ocean to Rapa Nui, Honolulu, Osaka, Shanghai, Jakarta, Sydney, Papeete, and then back to Valparaíso, scheduled for October 10th of this year.
During the four days the training ship Esmeralda was anchored in Hanga Roa, more than 1,500 people boarded the vessel to learn about it and tour it. Children from local schools and the NGO Toki visited the ship, toured its decks, learned its history, and spoke with future Navy officers.
The community organized with local fishermen, who offered transportation in their boats to the ship. The flow of visitors was constant. From early in the morning, entire families, students, tourists, and local authorities organized to board the sailboat. The only requirement from the Navy was that the boats should have up-to-date safety certificates.
One of the most symbolic moments was the performance of Team Kau, a group of open water swimmers, with no motor other than their own bodies and accompanied by safety buoys. Carlos Roe, Eleazar Tepihi, Pamela Averill, Robinson Cortez, Lula Mesa, Eduardo Muñoz, and Malena Hunn swam 2.6 kilometers round trip from Hanga Vare Vare to the hull of the Esmeralda.
Eleazar Tepihi recounted, “On Saturday, April 19th, we met in Hanga Vare Vare at 3:00 p.m.We chose that spot because it’s a safe place for us, without much boat traffic. As a group, we always take care of our safety; we swim as close together as possible, wear bright colors, and carry buoys. Pamela Averill notified the Maritime Governor that we would be swimming in that area so that small boats would be careful around us.
“It was a beautiful crossing. The sea was very calm, and as we approached the Esmeralda, people took photos of us and shouted encouraging. While we were swimming around the Esmeralda, a member spoke with one of the sailors, who then spoke to the captain to get us permission to board. We only went there with the intention of reaching the boat; we weren’t scheduled to board.” We took photos on deck, and this feat will undoubtedly remain in the group’s memory,” said the excited swimmer.
In addition to the guided tours and meetings with Midshipmen and Sailors in training, an Easter Mass was celebrated on Sunday, April 20th, officiated on board by the ship’s chaplain, with the participation of local authorities. To conclude the visit, on Monday the 21st, a floral tribute was laid to the bust of Arturo Pratt, attended by a large part of the Esmeralda’s crew and its band, which played traditional music pieces. Delegate Sergio Tepano began the ceremony by receiving greetings from those present.
The Presidential Delegate, Sergio Tepano, praised the ship’s presence: “As Delegate, it is an honor to have welcomed the School Ship Esmeralda and its crew. The visit of the White Lady, as she is affectionately known, is significant not only for the personnel who come for training but also for all the children and young people who were able to board the ship and learn about its history and the work it performs during its voyages.”
“It is important to highlight that the Esmeralda’s visits to Rapa Nui are not only part of the travel itinerary, but also reaffirm this institution’s commitment to our territory. We are part of a journey undertaken by this historic ship, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation, as well as promoting the cultural and identity-based learning that makes our island a unique and special place,” stated the Presidential Delegate.
Admiral Juan Andrés de la Maza stated: “This ship is a true school at sea, where we train new generations of sailors, our future officers and seafarers. Here, we put into practice what we’ve learned in the classroom: classes in meteorology, astronomy, astronomical calculations using the stars and the sun, among other subjects. Our crew members are also expected to immerse themselves in the cultures they will experience.”
