A childhood dream come true - Boarding the Simón Bolívar training ship

I made it back to the city of Puerto Cabello in Carabobo State, Venezuela. In my past posts about this city, I mentioned that my goal is to show off more of the area, especially the historic center—it's full of spots to visit that are constantly being restored and revitalized. This time, I had the joy of finally checking a childhood dream off my bucket list: stepping aboard the "Simón Bolívar" Armed Forces Training Ship.

Thanks to the Fitven national tourism fair taking place in the city, the navy docked the ship at the port and opened it up for free tours. When I heard it was going to be there for just a few days, I decided to make the trip last weekend to finally see it in person.

Even though this ship travels to cities all over the world, it usually docks in Venezuela at the ports of Maracaibo, Puerto Cabello, and La Guaira so locals can visit. But somehow, I had never managed to get on board; the timing was always off, or I’d miss the opportunity when it was sailing far away on naval exercises or training new recruits.

This vessel has been sailing for 45 years. It was launched in 1980 and is a Brigantine model measuring over 80 meters (262 feet) in length and 10 meters (33 feet) in width. It was built in Spain, specifically in the shipyards of Bilbao. I absolutely love that it features two square-rigged masts and one fore-and-aft mast because it looks truly majestic when the sails are fully deployed.

The sheer scale of it is impressive once you’re actually on board. I asked one of the sailors on deck who was guiding visitors how big the crew was, and he told me it can hold up to 120 crew members. Although we couldn’t go down into the cabins, we could see some of the facilities from the deck, like the navigation bridge, the galley, and the entrance to the engine room—it’s equipped with a diesel engine that allows it to reach speeds of 10 knots.

I know mankind has built modern marvels, and today we have massive ships that are practically floating cities. But seeing this ship anchored here brings the port to life in a different way; you can admire it from miles away. Seeing it from a distance evokes a special feeling that makes you think of the past. It feels like a mix of nostalgia and something even better—a feeling born of pride and excitement.

There are so many eye-catching details, but the huge flag waving at the stern really stands out; watching it move with the wind gave me goosebumps. I also loved the figurehead at the bow—a woman holding a saber and dressed in the national tricolor. She represents the breaking of the chains of oppression, consolidated by the naval battles of the past.

I could go on and on, but the most important thing is this: if you ever cross paths with this vessel at a port anywhere in the world, or hear that it’s visiting, don't hesitate to go see it. It is a formidable experience and a fantastic travel plan to learn more about this world and its wonders.

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My previous posts about Puerto Cabello

A magical night in Puerto Cabello's historic revamped heart [ENG/SPA]
A visit to the Casa Herrera Museum - A historical treasure in Puerto Cabello [ENG/SPA]

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