The crew of the training ship, commanded by Commander José Sousa Luís, is composed of 107 military personnel, joined by 77 Cadets from the Naval Academy (1st and 2nd year) and from Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP), and one Romanian Cadet. During this voyage, the cadets will develop essential skills for their training as future Navy officers through various activities.
The cadets’ embarkation will be divided into two periods: from April 30th to July 11th, 36 second-year cadets from the Naval Academy will embark, and from July 11th to August 23rd, 41 first-year cadets will embark. The exchange is scheduled to take place in Boston.
In addition to training cadets, the NRP Sagres’ voyage also aims to support Portugal’s candidacy for non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council, participate in the celebrations of Portugal Day with the Portuguese emigrant population, as well as participate in Sail 250, an event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, and in the International Naval Review (INR 250).
Also on board the ship are two casks and several bottles of Madeira wine, which is believed to have been used in the toast of the founders of the United States of America on July 4, 1776. To commemorate this moment, all events held aboard the NRP Sagres will be accompanied by a toast of this wine.
The training voyage is scheduled to last until August 23rd, and the NRP Sagres will visit the ports of New York, Norfolk, Baltimore, Boston, and New Bedford in the United States, and Hamilton in Bermuda.