Colombian Tall Ship Gloria to Visit Norfolk

ARC GLORIA
Norfolk, VA is the ONLY U.S. Port Call

Norfolk, VA, (September 16, 2018) – On Monday, September 17, 2018 the Colombian Navy sail training tall ship “ARC GLORIA” is scheduled to arrive in Downtown Norfolk, docking at Otter Berth in between Town Point Park and Waterside District. The ARC GLORIA’s last visit to Norfolk was part of the OpSail 2012 Virginia fleet. The ship will depart Sunday, September 23, 2018. The City of Norfolk is the only US port call for the ship’s 2018 sail training tour.

The public is invited to tour the ship Wednesday, September 19 – Friday, September 21, 2018 from 10AM to 8PM daily.

Built in 1966, in Bilbao, Spain, as a training vessel for 134 officers, cadets, and crew sailing aboard, GLORIA teaches cadets star navigation, seamanship, and leadership. Soaring at nearly 300 feet, with three masts and 22 sails, the Colombian flagships’ namesake pays tribute to the National Anthem of Colombia: “Oh Gloria Inmarcesible.”

The sailing vessel hosts guided tours and shares information about its host country, Colombia, during its stays around the globe. Since she was built, GLORIA has visited 180 ports in 70 different countries serving as Goodwill Ambassador of Colombia to the world during its 52 years of history. During guided tours, GLORIA will share information about the vessel and its mission, as well as education about Colombia.

Downtown Norfolk, Virginia is honored to welcome back ARC GLORIA to its port Monday, September 17, 2018 – Sunday, September 23, 2018.

Facts & History: ARC GLORIA

· History: The training tall ship, ARC GLORIA, was built in 1966 for the Colombian Navy in the Celaya shipyards in Bilbao, Spain. She is one of four windjammers built by Bilbao shipyards (the other ships include: the Cuautemoc for Mexico, the Guaya for Ecuador, and the Simon Bolivar for Venezuela). The Colombian flagships’ namesake pays tribute to the National Anthem of Colombia: “Oh Gloria Inmarcesible.”

· Homeport: Categena, Colombia

· Overall Length: 249’ 4”

· Rig: Barque

· Rig Height: 126’ 4”

· GLORIA carries up to 150 midshipmen and officers

Arrival, departure and guided tour times are approximate and are subject to change due to any possible inclement weather.