First confirmation of the longest sea route ever organized

The end of 2018 is approaching and with it we are also one step closer to what will be the longest maritime pilgrimage ever organized.

Three years after the Ruta Traslatio 2021, at the Foundation we did not stop working to make that journey something to remember. And yes, there are still three years left, but a pilgrimage of this caliber requires all our efforts so that the event becomes the most important in the world of the maritime pilgrimage so far.

As always, we like to keep abreast of all our movements, so today we tell you in scoop one of our first confirmations: the Shtandart.

And what is more important, we put you in context. The Shtandart was the first frigate of the Baltic fleet. It was built in 1703 and, after participating in numerous military actions suffered such deterioration that its restoration was necessary.

The sailboat was scrapped, and about 300 years later, in 1994, a group of enthusiasts from St. Petersburg began the construction of its replica. Everything we can see above the main deck is totally true to its original design, while the winery is much more modern; and the fact that it was rebuilt so recently led to the combination of old methods of shipbuilding with the most advanced technologies in the sector.

Nowadays, the big sailing ship dedicates its time to endless activities, in which both children and adults can take part. During the spring, summer and autumn it is dedicated to sailing from port to port participating in numerous events and festivals at sea, always lending to open its doors to the public and share its charms with it.

In addition, it also has several navigation programs open that allow its public to join the adventure, either in a journey of only half a day or on a long distance trip between cities and ports of different countries.

It is a very inclusive and receptive boat, always ready to face new challenges. So much so that his website is willing to participate in the filming of films or other activities that can help, and encourages visitors to propose any idea that may involve a new opportunity for both.

Do you think of any better than participating in the Ruta Traslatio 2021 and immerse yourself in the adventure of your lives with him?

The Lord Nelson, fulfilling dreams since 1985

As the Tenacious, of which we have already spoken in another publication, the Lord Nelson is another of the great landmarks in the world of navigation. Both have in common the ability to fulfill the dream of many sailors whose physical condition does not allow them to navigate in other types of boats, getting them to live the sea 100%, without any type of restriction. Its objective is clear: equal conditions at sea, equal treatment.

The sailboat, owned by the Jubilee Sail Training Trust, was built in 1985 in the United Kingdom; and since then it has not stopped surfing and offering the most diverse and complete programs. And so much so that since that time, more than 12,000 people with physical disabilities and 5,000 wheelchair users have been part of its crew.

The data is justified with the enormous adaptation of the boat for it, which includes wheelchair access throughout the boat, a special protection against damp cold, a voice compass that allows blind people to steer the boat or power steering for sailors with little force among others.

Another factor that differentiates Lord Nelson from the rest is the enormous variety of his programs, which range from offering small trips of several days or a week, to enormous crossings around the ocean with a duration that sometimes exceeds two months.

The sailboat makes its sailing training program an experience in which the companions become family during a journey in which everyone has to participate and work as a team to bring the ship to a successful conclusion. Responsibility, collaboration, learning and above all a lot of fun.

To the most curious we anticipate that it is very possible that the large sailing ship docks in the Port of Vigo in the coming days. Who would you like him to open his doors to the public and be able to meet him in person?

We bet on sailing

It is almost impossible to encrypt the number of pilgrims who since the ninth century have traveled hundreds of kilometers to reach the Cathedral of Santiago and complete what more and more people consider an experience that must be lived at least once in life.

On the way to the X edition of the O Cabaleiro das Cunchas Maritime Route, we look back and realize the countless good times that the Route and the sailing have given us, and we can not do anything but invite you to continue sharing them with you.

The maritime journey is, without a doubt, the most daring variant of the Camino and, as you well know, our favorite; and it is that every year he surprises us and teaches us new things.

The illusion of closing each of the stages and gradually filling the pages of the Compostela with stamps; to know oneself better, and also others; go through dozens of unknown places; share everything and, above all, enjoy one of the most beautiful things that Galicians can boast: our coast.

Teamwork, union, group feeling. It would be impossible to talk about the Camino a vela without them, and that is precisely what makes it so special. The fact that the crew of each of the boats is always ready to help the one next door, and that all together put an end to each stage by meeting and knowing the different destinations that the trip gives you.

Learn from those who know best. Each edition brings with it more young people, some already immersed in the world of navigation, but also adventurers who participate, for the first time in such a long journey.

During the pilgrimage, they learn to make sailor knots, place defenses, hoist sails, write the logbook ... The perfect opportunity to be a pilgrim and sailor at the same time, to enjoy the waves and the sea, to feel Galicia in its purest state.

Can you imagine a pilgrimage that every day gives you stamps like this one?

We can not have more desire of that X edition, that we continue preparing with the illusion of always, so that you can enjoy many more like this one, of which you will be protagonists.

The big sailing ship that instructs students around the world, no matter their age: the Pelican of London

This week the Port of Vigo had one of the most beautiful and famous sailboats in the world, the great Pelican of London.

During your stay, there were many who came to you curious to know a little more about him; and how could it be otherwise, not only have we not been less, but we have also made sure that you know everything about their adventures at sea.

The ship stands out for its training activity, so this year in addition to its usual crew, has nothing more and nothing less than 30 students, between 14 and 19 years, and 5 mentors; the majority of German, Swiss and Austrian nationality.

His adventure, which will last one semester academic, began in Dublin only 14 days ago, and after 5 days without seeing land, has set as the first of its destinations the largest of the Galician cities.

During their days at sea, students live in their own skin the life of a sailor in all its facets, and learn to do absolutely all their tasks. In the Pelican of London they are one more, and this implies a great responsibility, but also a huge satisfaction.

The students hoist sails, tie ropes, participate in docking maneuvers, write the logbook, perform guards, cook, clean and even manage the sailboat. Together they live what, as one of them told us, is the experience of their lives.

Every morning, at 1:00 PM, the entire crew gathers and the daily tasks are distributed. That is the only time when there is no one sleeping on the ship. During the rest of the day, they take turns; so that those who stand guard at night can rest during the day and vice versa.

At the Pelican of London, safety is always your biggest concern. The ship has life vests for everyone, and four emergency rafts, located first in the central part of the boat and the second on both sides.

These days we asked you in our social networks if you knew it was the table of guards. This is useful to know, when the ship docks in a port, the exact number of people on board at each moment. When one of the members wants to go ashore, he must move the box so that, in case of emergency, the other members know that he is not in the boat.

The next destination of the sailboat will be Tenerife, which will be followed by Cape Verde and then go, with a prediction of 14 days crossing the Atlantic, to the idyllic Caribbean.

And we end our post with a news that we are sure you will love. The Pelican of London has already shown its interest in participating in the Ruta Traslatio 2021. Why are we going to tell you more if you can be the protagonists of your next adventure?

The first Spanish city to know the discovery of America

From the Lima river to the cold and Atlantic waters of Baiona. There we will celebrate the penultimate stop of the Ruta do Cabaleiro, and we will discover all the history that surrounds it.

The reasons that make the coastal city a destination to visit are many and varied, but there is one of them that made us choose it as a mandatory stop.

And it is not the wonderful views that we can enjoy from its cliffs, but the historical fact that left it marked for life: the arrival of the caravel Pinta to its waters.

Although at first the intention was for the caravel to dock at the port where Christopher Columbus started the journey - port of Palos de la Frontera - a storm in the Azores caused the group to split up and be forced to dock in different ports .

The destination chosen by the captain of the Pinta was Baiona; and his boat was the first to arrive in Spain and to give the news of the discovery of America and some of its products.

After fixing the damage suffered by the ship and stocking supplies, the Pinta left Baiona to continue its journey and go to its initial destination.

On the occasion of the historic event, Baiona celebrates the arrival of the sailboat every year. The coined Fiesta de la Arribada, and is considered a festival of International Tourist Interest.

During the three days of its celebration, visitors who come to Baiona delight in endless interesting activities such as knight training, the medieval market, concerts, exhibitions ...

Baiona also gives us the opportunity to feel like sailors for a few minutes and immerse ourselves in its history thanks to the construction of the replica of the boat they made with the commemoration of the V centenary of the discovery of America.

The caravel is recreated just as it arrived in Baiona in 1943, and inside it even has reproductions of metals, plants and animals discovered in America.

The Ruta do Cabaleiro will surprise your pilgrims seamen very much this time!

The Gil Eannes and other charms of Viana do Castelo

The fourth stop of our journey takes us to the mouth of the river Lima, ready to dock in the huge port of Viana do Castelo and discover its charms of those who talk so much.

Indeed, and despite being many who characterize it, it is the ship Gil Eannes that has managed to get our attention the most.

The historic ship that was the flagship of the Portuguese 'frota branca' of cod fishing in Greenland and Newfoundland waters for 18 years, was rescued by the Municipal Chamber of Viana do Castelo when in 1997 it was announced its sale for scrapping.

During those years, in addition to performing the tasks of a hospital ship, the Gil Eannes carried out tasks of maritime authority, mail ship, tugboat, and icebreaker; even reaching supply tasks to other ships in the fleet.

Currently, restored and visitable, the ship is located in the port of the city functioning as a museum and youth hostel. A boat full of history and secrets that the Portuguese have decided to share with tourists who come to spend the day on their land.

The fishing port gives us the opportunity to see its boats go for a walk and makes us share in its traditional union with the sea, allowing us to enjoy its privileged geographical situation.

And if you are loyal fans of the world of fashion, you can not miss the visit to the Museum of Costume, where you can delight with an interesting display of traditional clothing with which formerly were the fishing and collection of seaweed in this Portuguese area .

On the other hand, located inside one of the churches of the city and being a landmark for fishermen, is the Virgin of the Agony, who every August 20 goes out to bless the sea with one of its beautiful typical costumes.

The sea always brings with it the stories and legends that we like the most, and maybe that is the reason why we like Viana do Castelo so much.

Vila Nova de Gaia: A destination starring by its bridges

Separated from Porto by the most important river of the Portuguese northwest, and united by the six historical bridges that communicate them; Vila Nova de Gaia has become a city of enormous tourist attraction for the neighboring country.

Although at first there were seven, the lack of use of some of them, such as the Ponte das Barcas, caused them to be replaced by the current ones, leaving a small trail that reminds us how cities were initially communicated.

Don Luis I, the best known, is the fastest way to move to Porto; and the perfect place to observe the Douro in all its splendor from the heights. Pedestrians and the yellow subway line pass by, and below it is enabled for the use of vehicles.

Although to enjoy the city from the heights, nothing better than the Gaia cable car, which during its five minutes of crossing delights us with the reddish roofs of the famous Portuguese wineries and their colorful houses.

The pier, its colorful boats, the Calem cellars, its cobbled streets ... The third stop of the Traditional Route will transport our pilgrims to the heart of the Portuguese north to make them live together endless moments together.

In addition, proximity to Porto makes Vila Nova de Gaia an ideal destination to enjoy both without the need to have much time, staying with the best of each.

The Ruta do Cabaleiro will be filled with color in Aveiro

Known as the Portuguese Venice, the city of Aveiro has a special charm that makes it a must stop in the journey that will take our pilgrims sailors to Compostela. And if that were not enough, he will receive them in the best of ways: with an exquisite pork on the spit.
 
Their moliceiros, colorful and elongated vessels in which seaweed and sargasso were transported until not many years ago, now serve to delight tourists who come to the city with a beautiful walk through its canals.

The participants of the Route will not be less, since on August 5, they will be able to enjoy a ride in moliceiro while they soak up the Portuguese culture and art.

And for culture, all that you can also learn that day in the museum of cod, which will be one of the many visits we will make when docking in different ports; or the beautiful Art Deco buildings of which the city can boast.

The city is full of buildings and monuments that are really worth visiting, such as its train station, which stands out for its impressive tiles with regional motifs; or the palheiros of the Costa Nova, which for so many years served as a refuge for the Portuguese fishermen and who are now the perfect stamp for the summer photo.

Aveiro will be loaded with many more surprises ... But to know them you will have to wait a little longer, and embark with us in the great summer event.

Póvoa de Varzim, the city of blue tiles

With almost 100,000 inhabitants and an area of bout 80 square kilometers, Póvoa de Varzim has become one of the main holiday destinations of the Portuguese coast, and at the first stop of our Route.

Modern, lively and dynamic, the Portuguese coastal city was undoubtedly designed for people. And this is demonstrated by its 1,900 meters of bike lane, the urban layout of its fishing port, or the efforts of its inhabitants to enhance the city by taking care of every detail.

Nothing else to dock in its port, we will find with the beautiful murals of blue tiles of its port, that represent their history, scenes of the daily life of their inhabitants, and their most illustrious personages.

At about 20 minutes, the Plaza de Almada, where the town hall is located, and important monuments such as Picota, a music temple or the Monument to Eda de Queirós.

Póvoa de Varzim is a city that lends itself to roam and know its secrets and more historical secrets. It lends itself to enjoy the beauty of architectural elements such as the Clock Tower, the Church of San Pedro, or its beautiful fortress that years ago served as a refuge for its inhabitants. It lends itself to enjoy.

It is clear that our seafaring pilgrims will not have time to get bored in this first stop, and that the Ruta do Cabaleiro will be full of surprises this year.

Picture from Tourism do Porto e norte de Portugal