Training Ship Elcano in Tenerife

The Spanish Navy's training ship, the 79 year old Juan Sebastián de Elcano, docked in Santa Cruz port on Friday, the ship's second stopover on it's first voyage since undergoing a major refit.

As well as making improvements to security systems, cabling and air conditioning, the interior of the ship has been substantially modified to make conditions better for the crew. Previously, they had to collect their meals and take them down two decks on trays. Now they have a dining room right next to the kitchen.

Of the 228 crew on board (32 of whom are women), 38 are trainees. Ten are from the Canary Islands (eight men and two women). There are also six civilians on board, among them; a hairdresser, a sailmaker, a carpenter and two cooks.

The Juan Sebastián de Elcano has already sailed around the world ten times. The ship leaves Tenerife on Sunday, bound for Brazil.

El Buque Escuela ’Elcano’ inicia su primer crucero tras una gran reforma

The sailing ship is named after Juan Sebastian Elcano, who took over command after Magellan's death and became the first man to complete the circumnavigation of the world.

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