Yes Asher, it is a training ship for young sailors stopping by in Setúbal where the visits were allowed for a couple of hours.
A last one of this set
This is a fabulous experience for the novice sailors as much of the skills learned here are no longer current on a missile packed destroyer with sonar and radar!
Still the comtaderie and athleticism essential to keep such a complex and fine sailing ship afloat instills in the young seamen the essence of being a seafairing creature.
Wits, knowledge, muscle and bravery are required for these grand sailboats whereas the destroyers or submarines are more a matter of electronics, plumbing and computer aided navigation.
I doubt that more than a few reliable sonar or radar operators could actually manage a vintage monster sailboat such as this.
So this boat must be an event and experience they will treasure all their lives!
One must think of the captain and his officers as an all star basket ball plus football tesm that can direct the crew in a storm and bring everyone home safely!
This is simply awesome!
I am so pleased you had this rich opportunity. Did they demonstrate the kids climbing the ropes?
Asher
