A Tale of Two Ships, a Common Destination, and a Historic U.S. Observance
Vessels from two different centuries dock at TAMUG a week apart as Spain’s Juan Sebastián de Elcano and the TS STATE OF MAINE embark on training voyages
The Juan Sebastián de Elcano, a four-masted schooner, is moored on May 28, 2026, at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
A week ago, the newly built TS STATE OF MAINE towered over the Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) campus, where it was moored for a week during its historic maiden voyage.
On Thursday May 28, a nearly century-old Spanish Navy training ship arrived and berthed in the same place, and while it is nowhere near as imposing, its masts can still be seen above the nearby academic buildings.
The Juan Sebastián de Elcano, a four-masted schooner, will remain in Galveston through the afternoon of Monday, June 1.
The Spanish vessel set sail on Jan. 10 from the Port of Cádiz on a dual mission: training 73 midshipmen and serving as a floating embassy to the ports visited, according to visitgalveston.com.
The ‘Elcano,’ as the historically relevant vessel is known, heads next to Norfolk, Virginia, Baltimore, and New York City as part of Sail250®, a global gathering of military and tall ships in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
However, Dr. Cassia Bomer Galvao, a TAMUG associate professor of maritime studies in the College of Marine Sciences and Maritime Studies, sees the importance of the Juan Sebastián de Elcano’s Galveston visit as going well beyond the ceremonial.
“Having this historic vessel at TAMUG for a few days reinforces the enduring global character of maritime education and highlights Galveston’s continuing relevance as a maritime city and training hub,” Galvao said.
In the fall, Galvao will be teaching the Historic Seafaring and Maritime Heritage (MAST 270), which explores fundamentals of traditional seamanship and an exploration of the cultures and technologies of seafaring people throughout history and in various geographical locations.
The Spanish vessel’s visit serves as a reminder of why traditional seamanship still matters.
“While today’s commercial and naval vessels rely heavily on automation, digital navigation systems, and advanced engineering, sail training ships continue to play a critical role in officer development around the world,” Galvao said. “Operating a tall ship demands direct engagement with the fundamentals of seamanship: understanding wind and weather, mastering navigation principles, coordinating complex teamwork, and developing discipline, resilience, and leadership under demanding conditions. Before commanding technologically sophisticated, multi-billion-dollar vessels, cadets benefit from learning the ‘human element’ of the sea in its purest form.”
The Elcano is roughly 371 feet long with gross tonnage of 2,478. By comparison, the STATE OF MAINE is 540 feet long with a gross tonnage of 13,886.
The STATE OF MAINE left Galveston on May 23 on a joint Summer Sea Term for cadets from the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and the Maine Maritime Academy. While the vessel is not part of Sail250®, its visit to New York will overlap with that of Elcano. The STATE OF MAINE will participate in International Review 250.
