V/E “Capitán Miranda”, More Than a Major Repair, the Defense of a National Symbol

In July of 1930, a hydrographic vessel commissioned by Uruguay was launched at the shipyards of Matagorda, Cádiz, Spain. The Uruguayan government conducted a public bidding process, and the winning bidder was the “Sociedad Española de Construction Naval” (Spanish Society of Naval Construction). The vessel, initially known as the “Planero,” was named as christened with the name “Capitán Miranda” in honor of the distinguished sailor who made significant contributions to the many professional and scientific fields of the Uruguayan Navy. In 1978, the vessel was transformed from its original mission hydrographic ship to a Training Sailboat type. On October 20th, 1978, the refurbished ship embarked on its first Instructional Voyage to ports of Argentina and Brazil. Through the years and the miles traveled, the sailboat gained respect and affection. It sailed along the coastlines of the Americas, went through the Panama Canal, Magallanes Strait, and faced one of every sailor’s greatest challenge: Cape Horn. It crossed the Atlantic Ocean multiple times, both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, sailed through the warm waters of the Mediterranean and the icy ones of the Baltic. It became part of the world so called of the “Tall Ships,” participating in regattas and celebrations. In 1993, the vessel underwent its second major repair, which took place in the same city where it was originally built. Once again, the “Capitán Miranda” set sail from the port of Cádiz, renovated, safer, more reliable, with new amenities, and greater autonomy. After this transformation, it continued proudly flying the Uruguayan flag across different seas. In 2013, a decision was made for a third and extensive repair to extend its service life after its hundredth year. Since then, the Training Sailboat has continuously sailed, embarking on new voyages, and forming new generations of Uruguayan sailors.