Argentine training ship in RP on goodwill visit

MANILA, Philippines – Historic Argentine frigate “Libertad” arrives today for a five-day goodwill visit as part of its eight-month tour around the world. This will be the fourth visit of “Libertad,” which first docked in Manila in 1965, followed by another in 1970 and the last one in 1997.

The visit will train and expose future officers and sailors of the Argentine navy in seafaring and navigating arts and promote Argentine culture and history through the holding of exhibits on Argentine products.

The visit is also expected to enhance ties between Argentina and the places the ship will be visiting in the course of its eight-month trip.

Designed and built by Argentine craftsmen in 1963, the vessel has a crew of 310 men and women from the navy and has since gained recognition for being one of the biggest sailing ships in the world with numerous decorations and trophies awarded through the years.

It also holds the Speed World record in the North Atlantic Cruise Under Sail in 1966, crossing a total of 2,085 miles from Cabo Race (Canada) to Dublin-Liverpool in eight days and 12 hours – a record that remains unbeaten to this day.

The frigate “Libertad” will be here until July 12, after which it will set sail for Shanghai, its next destination.