On Saturday, January 11, Felipe and Letizia have it marked on their Three Kings’ agenda but especially on their parents’ agenda. Cádiz will witness an event full of symbolism and tradition: the farewell of Princess Leonor before embark on the training cruise aboard the brig-schooner Juan Sebastián Elcano. The Monarch and his wife, it is not known without accompanied by Infanta Sofía, will accompany the heiress in this moment full of emotion, the emotion of saying goodbye to a daughter. Leonor’s journey aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano is much more than a step in her military training; It is a stage that reinforces her commitment to the history and future of Spain, just as her father and grandfather did before her.
The journey that Leonor will undertake is not only a key chapter in her preparation as a future queen, but also the culmination of a rigorous training process begun at the Marín Naval School, in Pontevedra. There, the princess has completed an intensive program, although adapted to her status as heiress, which has allowed her to acquire technical knowledge and practical skills. From coastal and astronomical navigation to maneuvers with virtual reality simulators, Leonor has demonstrated commitment and dedication in this unique stage of her life.
The Juan Sebastián Elcano, a ship with almost a century of history since its launch in 1927, will set sail from Cádiz on January 11 for a journey that will cover more than 17,000 nautical miles in 140 days. This trip is not only a training experience, but also an immersion in the values and traditions of the Navy. Leonor, like any midshipman, will participate in daily tasks, from night watches to maneuvers and physical exercises, in an environment designed to strengthen both technical competence and camaraderie among her crew.
Each day on board will begin at dawn, with reveille at 6:45. After personal hygiene and breakfast, the midshipmen will attend classes and practice navigation, astronomy and meteorology, among other subjects. The nights will also have their share of responsibility, with guards distributed in four-hour shifts. Sometimes, general maneuvers will be called in which the entire crew will work as a team to adjust the rig or turn the boat according to wind conditions. Despite her status as heir to the throne, Leonor will be treated as one more aboard the Elcano, as has been repeated from the Naval Academy. She will sleep in a shared loft with seven other midshipmen, in a small space that includes bunk beds and a common bathroom. With no closets available, you will have to efficiently manage (as you already did in Zaragoza) your clothes and belongings, adapting to the changing temperatures at sea. The princess will share this experience with other classmates in her class, among whom are also women. Your training will be guided by high-level instructors, including outstanding athletes and Navy officers, who will reinforce the values of leadership and improvement at each stage of the trip.
The Juan Sebastián Elcano itinerary will take Leonor and the rest of the midshipmen to a series of emblematic ports around the world. From Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, they will cross the Atlantic towards America, visiting cities such as Salvador de Bahía, Montevideo, Punta Arenas, Valparaíso, and New York, among others. Each stop will offer a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and reinforce the international image of Spain. The princess’s arrival at each port will be protected with strict security measures, although the main focus will always be learning and coexistence. During the stops, the midshipmen will attend conferences, sports activities and formal events that will complement their training on board.
The Juan Sebastián Elcano is not just a training ship; It is a living symbol of Spanish naval tradition. Built in Cádiz and with a rich history that includes the training of generations of officers, the ship has been the scene of key moments for the royal family. Both Juan Carlos I and Felipe VI made this same cruise during their youth, and now it is Leonor’s turn to continue this legacy. In 1987, the farewell of Felipe VI as Prince of Asturias was a massive event, with the entire royal family and thousands of citizens who came to the dock to witness the departure of the ship. Leonor’s departure is expected to spark similar interest, marking another chapter in the close relationship between the Crown and the Navy. Those who know Leonor highlight her enthusiasm and determination in the face of this challenge. Despite the difficulties inherent to life on board, the princess is fully prepared to face the experience with courage. Although their parents, like any family, may feel some concern, they know that this journey will be a unique opportunity for their personal and professional growth.
The commander of the Elcano, Luis Carreras-Presas, sums it up perfectly: “The training cruise not only trains officers, but also people who understand the value of teamwork, resilience and leadership”. With an impeccable career that includes international missions and the command of various ships, Carreras-Presas will lead this expedition with the same spirit that has guided Juan Sebastián Elcano for almost a century.
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